AFC West report: It’s been a rough week for everyone

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs faced their own set of issues this week. It started with social media posts from some prominent members of the defense and ended with apologies at press conferences. Watching it unfold, it felt like we were seeing cracks in the locker room and in the foundations of the team. Leaders are not supposed to be arguing with Joe Shmoe on Instagram, but it happened. Hopefully level heads prevailed and the apology was sincere. This team needs to focus.

Speaking of focus, we saw the trend continue: turnovers. I’m afraid it might be who this team is. Some of this feels “freak-ish,” but when you combine the penalties, missed assignments, and turnovers, it just screams lack of focus and discipline to me. If this team can refocus, they can contend because the AFC is wide open. HOWEVER, they probably are not competing for a bye and their schedule is ROUGH moving forward. They have to band together if they want a shot at competing for a third straight Super Bowl appearance.

The big news as we hit the trade deadline was that the Chiefs (shockingly) did not stand still. The first announced move came early on Tuesday:

Sending a 6th round pick to the Steelers, the Chiefs brought in another pass-rushing weapon to hopefully help solve some of the defensive line issues. In addition, we said goodbye to our favorite doctor and hello to a new tight end:

While it is bittersweet to see him go, it makes sense since he didn’t have playing time. Hopefully, he can find some on-field work with the Jets. Treat him well, please.

On Sunday, the Chiefs face a big test as the Packers and Aaron Rodgers come to town. This will be the first time Mahomes has faced Rodgers. If you remember, they were supposed to in the Super Bowl-winning year, but Mahomes was knocked out with the dislocated knee before the game. The Chiefs ended up losing that game on a last-second miracle throw from Rodgers. I was there. I remember.

The Chiefs will have to be better this week if they have any hope of beating the Packers, as G.B. is coming off a mini-bye and a number of their players (including Davante Adams) are coming off an extended bye thanks to COVID. I don’t see the Chiefs pulling this off unless they play infinitely better than they did on Sunday, so I guess I am just hoping there aren’t 5 turnovers? I’m feeling pessimistic, but we still have Pat, so anything can happen…