Kansas City Chiefs: Four things we learned in Week 9 win vs Panthers

Run defense looks really bad

We all figured that Christian McCaffrey was going to have a field day no matter what, even with this being his first game back since Week 2, but the lack of play making abilities by the run defense is concerning. McCaffrey rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown while hauling in 82 yards through the air and another touchdown.

The Panthers run game as a whole totaled 104 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. The Chiefs defense couldn’t stop them and they couldn’t wrap up on their tackles, which usually led to another huge gain after contact.

It was a disappointing effort by the defense and this is most definitely something that fans should be concerned about moving forward. The run defense has been an issue for the last half decade, but started to turn things around this time last year. Will that happen again as inch closer to playoff season? Hopefully, otherwise it’s hard to see the Chiefs making it to the Super Bowl again.

What’s going on with Butker?

Harrison Butker might have a big leg, showcased by his 58 yard game winning field goal in Week 2 and his 55-yard field goal in this match-up. As good as Butker has been in that department, he’s been equally as bad when it comes to extra point attempts.

Butker missed another extra point this week, now putting him at six missed extra points this season. It’s hard to be mad at Butker because of how big his leg is and how he’s come through in the clutch over the years, but the extra points are definitely something I’m concerned about.

What if the Chiefs are trailing by seven late in a game, score a touchdown, and then it comes down to Butker knocking through the extra point to try and tie the game? Are Chiefs fans going to feel confident if that situation arises? Let’s be honest – That is a way that an old Chiefs team would lose in the playoffs.