In recent years, the Kansas City Chiefs have been drifting away from the offensive philosophy that has overtaken the NFL. As the league's top teams lean harder into under-center looks and slow-developing play action, Kansas City has been steadfast in its determination to play out of the shotgun.
Things might finally be shifting in Chiefs Kingdom, though.
According to team reporter Nate Taylor, the Chiefs have spent a significant portion of early training camp practices operating from under center. It's time to celebrate, Chiefs fans. The change you've been begging for is finally here.
Chiefs offense is already seeing a major training camp shift
Last season, the Chiefs lined up in shotgun formations 80% of the time, good for the third-highest rate in the NFL. They also used one of the league's lowest motion rates, at just a 49.5% clip. The result? A stagnant offense too often incapable of creating easy answers.
Many of the top offenses in the league were at the opposite end of the spectrum in both areas. The Chicago Bears finished with a shotgun rate of 51.7% and a motion rate of 60.6%. Chicago finished seventh in the NFL in explosive play rate at 6.4%, while the Chiefs were down at 5.2%.
Under-center formations and motion looks don't automatically create more explosive offenses, but they are effective in making defenses hesitate just enough to open up space.
The Chiefs are already implementing a shift toward these more popular strategies, and players are taking notice. All-Pro center Creed Humphrey spoke on the increased use of under-center formations after early practices.
Humphrey said, "Under center stuff is fun, so when we get the chance to do it, I have a lot of fun with it. We’re excited about what we’re doing right now, and we’re excited about where this offense is headed."
He also believes that running back Kenneth Walker III is set for a big year. He said, "Really excited. Really excited about K9. He’s a dynamic player, a freak athlete, great with his reads, everything like that."
Walker III had a career year with the Seattle Seahawks last year, eclipsing 1,300 rushing yards and logging a ridiculous 42 carries over 10 yards. The Seahawks lined up under center at the NFL's second-highest rate.
Leaning harder into under-center formations isn't an instant fix for the Chiefs' offense. But it does bring a schematic diversity to the unit that didn't exist in 2025. While drives often came down to hoping that Mahomes could figure something out last season, this retooled scheme will give the offense a broader set of answers.
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