Kansas City Chiefs: Sammy Watkins difference maker on offense
The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense is good enough without Sammy Watkins, but when he does suit up and play, it puts opposing defenses in a near impossible situation. Who do they try and stop when Watkins is out there?
Kansas City Chiefs fans might have raised some eyebrows when Brett Veach gave Sammy Watkins the kind of deal they did this offseason, but it’s safe to say now that that particular contract is absolutely worth it.
Watkins, who played in ten games during the regular season, had 519 yards and three touchdowns. That production might not make one say “Wow!”, but it’s the element of having yet another explosive weapon out there on the field that makes Watkins important.
Watkins played on Saturday for the first time since week 11 (against the Rams) and was an integral part of the Chiefs offense in the AFC Divisional Round. He hauled in six receptions for 62 yards while averaging 10.33 yards per reception.
Sammy Watkins makes a difference for the Chiefs offense that goes beyond statistics. If you haven't seen that today, I can't help you.
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) January 12, 2019
Now there was the moment when Watkins fumbled the football in the third quarter, but the Chiefs defense bailed him out by giving the ball right back to the offense two plays later. What Watkins brings to this offense is another target for Patrick Mahomes and another weapon that opposing defenses have to worry about.
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Without Watkins, the Chiefs are fine on offense. Having Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Damien Williams is manageable for this offense and they showed that over the last month and a half without Watkins active.
When Sammy Watkins does play, however, defenses have to come up with an entirely different game plan. Who do they double team, if anyone? And if they do that, that opens things up for one of the other guys to make a play.
Watkins’ presence was felt right from the start on Saturday, as he grabbed a short pass from Mahomes and took it 34 yards down the field before finally being pushed out of bounds. That set the Chiefs up at first and goal and they went on to score from there.
Late in the second quarter, Mahomes hit Watkins on a second and one play that once again set the Chiefs up at first and goal. Two plays later, Mahomes dove for the pylon and got the Chiefs another touchdown before the half.
Next. Good, Bad, Ugly vs Colts in AFC Divisional Round. dark
That 34 yard catch and run by Watkins was the biggest moment of the night for him and it came early in the game. Him just being on the field presents a problem to the opposition though and it was great having him back on the field. He truly puts this offense over the top.