KC Chiefs vs. Packers: Key takeaways from a big victory for Kansas City
By Matt Conner
Something is wrong with the offense
Yes, the Chiefs came away with an important win on Sunday, and it’s nice to see other facets of the team (e.g. defense and special teams) look so good. But it’s also alarming to see Patrick Mahomes and company put up such pedestrian numbers against a defense that was not only without a few key players—cornerback Jaire Alexander, defensive tackle Kenny Clark—but one that was tasked with making up for a rookie quarterback on the offensive side.
On the day, Mahomes completed 20 of 37 passing attempts for 166 yards and 1 touchdown. While it was nice to see the turnover faucet turned off for a week, it also seemed they bottled up their offensive flow entirely.
What was so shocking about the offensive ineptitude is that the Chiefs looked so good on the opening drive in which Mahomes found Travis Kelce for a touchdown and Tyreek Hill was featured often. The run and pass were both working early and yet they stalled from that drive forward. While the Chiefs were able to move the ball in the fourth quarter enough to seal a win, no one should feel good about the way the offense has struggled in recent weeks. Something is off and the Chiefs need to find a fix if they’re going to make any waves down the stretch.
No longer sloppy
Coming into the game, the Chiefs not only led the entire NFL in turnover with 19 but they were already ahead of any season-high total under Andy Reid. Yes, they had more in less than a half-season in 2021 than they ever had in any of Reid’s previous eight seasons. In addition to turnovers, penalties have been a major problem for the Chiefs in almost every game with 56 total penalties for 466 yards on the season. The Chiefs had 12 in their last game alone.
On Sunday afternoon, however, the Chiefs took care of business in both categories—for the most part. The Chiefs had another six penalties on Sunday but for a modest 33 yards given to the Packers. They also won the turnover battle for the first time since Week 1 by avoiding giving the ball away for the first time since, you guessed it, Week 1. These are good signs that the Chiefs are starting to play with better chemistry and communication on both sides of the ball—even with the offensive issues.