If Kansas City Chiefs fans could've seen into the future to see their favorite team heading into their bye week with a 7-2 record, most would've been very content in August. But those in the Kingdom are never content because the Chiefs have set an impossible standard of success over the last half-decade.
The Chiefs are one of the best teams in the NFL (again). Despite their struggles, that fact is a testament to the coaching staff and leadership. The Chiefs are "flying the plane as they build it."
Let's look at some of the biggest questions they need to answer to become/ remain the Super Bowl favorite.
1. What are the wide receiver's roles?
The Chiefs are not going to have a singular receiver step up and start producing at this point. There are flashes every so often, but for the most part, the receivers are just a flawed group for 2023. There's reason for optimism down the road, but for right now there is no immediate fix. This means the offensive staff needs to figure out how to best leverage the players they have and their roles.
Skyy Moore's snaps have continued to drop over the last few weeks, and he's failed to produce in the heavy snap percentage he's gotten thus far. Marquez Valdes-Scantling has underwhelmed this year compared to 2022. Can they get him back to being a deep threat? Justin Watson continues to be one of the most reliable pass catchers and he's seeing the field more and more. Rashee Rice leads the team in WR snaps over the last three weeks and has only been targeted 13 times to show for it.
Chiefs fans were sold a bill of goods that Kadarius Toney could be the top receiver in this offense, but instead, his role has been diminished/duplicated with Mecole Hardman. Toney was running real receiver routes in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions, and he was open too. He just failed to catch the ball (every time). Toney has had the healthiest stretch of his career since the season began. He's electric with the ball in his hands and can separate. What is his role in this offense? Is he part of the answer? The Chiefs have players that have upside, how they leverage them is going to be key.
WR Snaps last 3 weeks:
— Price Carter (@priceacarter) November 8, 2023
Skyy: 41,33,15📉
MVS: 47,35,33
Rice: 40,37,41📈
Watson: 0,22,34📈
Toney: 13,12,7
Hardman: 11,22,13
Not really sure what the plan is here... Skyy losing role, Rice on the field more but not many targets, Watson eating MVS role and Toney=Hardman (same role?)
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