The Chiefs have earned the number one seed in the AFC. They have been the best team in the NFL for three years running with only the 49ers to give them a real challenge in last year’s Super Bowl. Now, their only challenge is what bit the 49ers in the rear this year…injuries.
When teams are successful as the Chiefs are, they wear down over time. Yet the Chiefs have figured out how to manage the storm and stay relatively healthy throughout the years. After three NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl, the 49ers finally broke down. Meanwhile, the Chiefs march on.
Much is made of Andy Reid’s first fifteen plays of a game. Yet, on closer inspection, Coach Reid called within his first five plays. He had to adjust his script. Reid’s adjustments netted him two touchdowns in the first quarter.
With the return of Hollywood Brown, the Chiefs have become more multiple in their offensive formations. They can move Xavier Worthy around to different parts of the formation more easily maximizing both player’s speed. They can run three and four receiver formations and then switch to two tight end sets to give various skill position players a break.
What is more difficult for defenses is when the tight ends motion from in-line to the slot, X or Y position. Defenders must account for them and the motion itself creates mismatches with the defense. The Chiefs have become extremely adept at this.
In their first drive they reduced from three wide receiver sets to two tight-end sets towards the end of the drive. Reid’s play calling in the red-zone was masterful. Once in the red-zone, Reid called a formation with two tight-ends (Travis Kelce and Noah Gray) lined up in-line to the left. Kelce released up the seam with Gray running a short out route to the boundary. Gray caught a six-yard reception.
Coach Reid, calls the same formation again, but this time Worthy was in the backfield to the left of Patrick Mahomes who is lined up in the gun. Both Tight ends release on over routes while Worthy releases on a flare route. Mahomes hits Worthy quickly who runs it in for a touchdown.
The beauty of their first touchdown is the set up. Both tight ends can block…but they can both catch so you have to account for them. They pull the defenders from left to right clearing out just enough space for Worthy to make a play for the end-zone.
The Chiefs offensive line is still problematic. Yet the Chiefs have found ways to mitigate that due to multiple formations and the quick passing game. Coach Reid and Patrick Mahomes have learned how to consistently overcome their offensive line deficiencies. Hopefully they can keep it up as their line continues to gel and heal.
The Chiefs defense set up their offense with two three and outs. The first two Steeler’s offensive possessions ended with costly sacks. The Steelers third possession looked to be their first score. In fact, it was, until their tight end was called for a hold. On the very next play Justin Reid leapt up and snagged an interception in the end-zone.
The Chiefs defense performed up to its usual standard. They secured five sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. Though they allowed 202 yards rushing, Russell Wilson was held to 162 passing yards. Interestingly, Wilson accounted for 55 yards rushing due to his six scrambles to avoid sacks. Notably four different Chiefs secured sacks on Christmas day (Felix Anudike-Uzomah, George Karlafits, Tershawn Wharton and Mike Danna 2 sacks) Finally, the Chiefs didn’t allow a second half score. In fact, Trent McDuffie’s forced fumble set up the last Chief’s score of the game.
Patrick Mahomes played one of this best games of the season. He completed 76.3 percent of his passes. Mahomes threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns, earning his highest quarterback rating of the season. This is remarkable considering this was the third game he played in ten days. The Chiefs defeated Cleveland on the road on 15 December. They defeated Houston at home and then traveled to Pittsburg.
The Chiefs are hitting on all cylinders at the right time of the season. Consistency is the key to their success. Kansas City has weathered fourteen one score wins this season. This team is battle hardened and hungry. The Chiefs will be well rested going into the playoffs. They lost to Buffalo on the road leaving a bad taste in their mouth. In all likelihood they will host the Bills in the AFC Championship game, and it will be epic.
