As the Kansas City Chiefs navigate their current struggles in the passing game, an important discussion
has emerged about the underlying issues contributing to these challenges. Patrick Mahomes himself has
openly acknowledged his less-than-stellar performance, prompting a closer examination of both his play
and the role of key players like Travis Kelce. With Kelce now approaching 35, his speed and productivity
have understandably diminished, affecting the dynamics of the offense.
Interestingly, a notable trend has developed over the first three weeks of the season: the Chiefs are
increasingly prioritizing the run game. For the first time since Mahomes joined the team, they have
shifted to a run-first approach, particularly on first downs, with rushing plays comprising 55.4% of their
first-down calls—a significant jump from the average of 46.4% in previous seasons. This change in
strategy indicates how the Chiefs are adapting to their current circumstances and highlights a growing
reliance on the running game to establish momentum.
The effectiveness of this new focus on the run game is evident. The Chiefs have recorded an impressive
success rate of 56.5% on rushing plays, ranking them first in the league. This marks a considerable
improvement from the previous season, where their success rate languished at 39%. With offensive
linemen committed to enhancing their physical play, the team’s running game has not only flourished
but has also transformed their overall offensive strategy.
Defenses have certainly taken note of the Chiefs’ shift in approach. This season, they are facing more
defenders in the box than ever before, indicating a strategic pivot by opponents to counteract Kansas
City’s run-first tendencies. Historically, the Chiefs have faced lighter defensive fronts, allowing for
greater opportunities to pass, but this year, they find themselves in a more challenging environment that
could alter their game plan moving forward.
Ultimately, while the Chiefs’ current strategy of relying on the run game is proving effective, it is
essential for Mahomes and the offense to rediscover their deep-passing capabilities. While short passes
and strategic running can work in the short term, the long-term objective must remain clear: creating
space for Mahomes and his receivers to execute their dynamic passing game effectively. Balancing these
elements will be key as the Chiefs aim to regain their offensive prowess and set themselves up for success
in the weeks ahead.
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