The Kansas City Chiefs have been the reigning Super Bowl champions for the past two seasons, beating the Philadelphia Eagles and San Fransico 49ers in back-to-back championship appearances. The Chiefs continue to win games in 2024, but less impressively than in previous years. While holding the number one seed in the AFC with an outstanding 11-1 record, nine of the team’s wins have been one-score games.
Kansas City’s defense continues to remain one of the league’s best, posting second in rushing yards allowed. With players such as Nick Bolton, Trent McDuffie, and Chris Jones, the defense is solid. The issue lies with the offense, as it’s style of play has become predictable and stale.
This issue concerned the team last year, and it looks to be even worse in 2024. Two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes is on pace to have the worst season of his career by a long shot. Despite being surrounded by an upgraded receiving core, Mahomes still looks protective of throws, as if he still doesn’t trust his receivers.
To be fair, the offense has struggled to be fully healthy, with receiver Rashee Rice and running back Isiah Pacheco both being placed on injured reserve. While these two players are vital to the offensive success, the injuries don’t take away from the fact that the roster is still very manageable.
The interior offensive line is arguably the best in the entire league, and the mid-season pickups of Kareem Hunt and DeAndre Hopkins have paid off dividends. The offense should be strong, but it simply isn’t. What was once the best quarterback-tight end duo of Mahomes and Travis Kelce now looks like a mere shadow of its former self.
“Right now, for whatever reason this year, I just can’t find my way in the end zone. I’m just not on the same page as Pat. It can get frustrating. It can get f–king frustrating. That’s for damn sure.” – Travis Kelce said on New Heights podcast.
Emotions are already seeming to boil in KC, and in a competitive AFC with teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills, the Chiefs need a quick revival if they want to achieve a three-peat.