Kansas City Chiefs need to use extra time to clean up mistakes
By Ben Almquist
Back to back frustrating losses can weigh on a fan base. However, the Kansas City Chiefs will be just fine as long as they clean up the bad mistakes.
There has been a lot to like about the 2017 Kansas City Chiefs so far. Sure, that might be hard to see right now after back to back losses. However, if you take a step back, it’s definitely there. The biggest issue facing the Chiefs right now is the constant barrage of dumb mistakes. That is what needs to change as KC gets a few extra days.
Don’t come screaming to me about “bad coaching”. If you watched the performance last night, you should know better. Bob Sutton wasn’t the one getting called for bad holding penalties, getting beat in coverage, failing to win at the line of scrimmage, or missing tackles. The players on the field have to perform better.
Now, you could make a point about key injuries. Of course the Chiefs would be better if Steven Nelson and Eric Berry were on the field. That’s not happening though, so we need to find a way to win with what is available.
Goodness gracious, Justin Houston just wrestled that ball away and it's all for naught after a really bad call against Eric Murray.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) October 20, 2017
Key Players Must Make Key Plays
Now don’t think that this is just a chastisement of the defense. While the offense has been much improved this year, there have been mistakes. The biggest offenders have also been some of the most important players.
If Travis Kelce turns up field instead of looking for a big play in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs may have gotten the first down and kept milking the clock. If Alex Smith steps up in the pocket on the final play of the last drive, he probably avoids the sack and maybe gets the first down. These are bad mistakes that KC shouldn’t be making.
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On the other side of the field…well, there was no shortage of examples. Giving up a 2nd and 20 bomb in the middle of three defenders? C’mon guys. Surrendering a 4th and 11? What are you doing? The complete lack of tackling? That’s going to burn you every time. The Chiefs defense thrived on big plays last year, but there is a real shortage this year.
Use The Time Wisely
If there is any benefit to a Thursday night game, it’s that the team gets some extra time to work on things afterwards. That is something that Andy Reid has excelled at over his career. The Chiefs could certainly use some extra work right now.
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If the Kansas City coaching staff can make some adjustments this week, there is definitely a good chance some things get fixed. So many of the mistakes right now are just mental. A lot of that has to do with the Chiefs adjusting to the high number of injuries they’ve suffered. It’s something that can be fixed.
This is also an opportunity to work some of their injured players back into the lineup. With the extra time, you can focus on guys getting the reps they need to get back on the field. That will certainly be important with the offensive line.
The Kansas City Chiefs are still one of the best teams in the NFL. Nothing has changed in that regard. The two losses are frustrating, but this is a team that will win more than they will lose as the season goes on. The Chiefs will get back on the winning track, they just need to make some adjustments.