The Kansas City Chiefs are coming out of a bye week that arrived at the perfect time, with the roster needing a bit of a reset. Losing to the Buffalo Bills before the bye left a bad taste among fans, especially as the Chiefs are currently out of the playoff picture due to a crowded AFC. Still, there is plenty of time to turn things around, and it starts this week against the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos.
For the Chiefs' season to turn around, it is going to require several key pieces to turn things around. Unperforming starters have been a big part of the reason the Chiefs haven't lived up to expectations, starting with a star defender who has played poorly, not reaching anywhere close to expectations.
1. Chris Jones, DT
As legendary as Chris Jones might be across Chiefs Kingdom, there is no denying the current frustrations with the star pass rusher. Ever since the Chiefs opted to pay the star top-dollar, His numbers have cratered in the wrong direction, highlighted by the career-worst 60.3 defense and 42.9 run stoppage grades he's rocking on Pro Football Focus. While you could simply point to this as an effort issue, there is no tangibly clear reason to doubt the effort of Jones apart from the numbers themselves. It simply seems to be natural regression and not a problem of talent or effort.
One factor here that is going underrated is the fact that Jones being paid top dollar has caused a cheaper approach with the remainder of the unit. This leaves a level of pressure on the star that simply hasn't been there in seasons past.
Regardless, there is zero question that Jones has to improve down the stretch of the season, already having made two game-changing mistakes in Kansas City's four losses. If the Chiefs' season is going to turn around, any potential change must begin with Jones.
2. Matt Nagy, OC
Even with head Andy Reid calling the plays, anything that goes wrong offensively seems to be laid at the feet of Matt Nagy. A large part of this is due to the fact that Nagy simply isn't great at the role he should be attempting to play. Reid is clearly a player's coach who doesn't always appear willing to play the "bad cop" that every team needs to call out either its stars or the last man on the roster.
With Nagy having so little on his plate, a big part of the problem is a lack of situational awareness. Fans want to see the offensive coordinator step into a clearer leadership role and help right the ship for the franchise. If not, there is a very strong likelihood that Reid opts to make a change at the position in the offseason.
Already, you have an enticing fit in just-fired New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, and more names are sure to hit the market as the season continues. Painting the picture of why the rest of the season remains a pivotal run for Naggy, who could very well be on his way out if the offense hits any major roadblocks down the stretch.
3. Isiah Pacheco, RB
It's no secret that many Chiefs fans were hoping that the franchise would take a big swing and add Breece Hall ahead of the trade deadline. Instead, KC is betting on improvement from Pacheco and leaning on whatever veteran Kareem Hunt has left in the tank, as well as rookie RB Brashard Smith. There is no denying that the first 10 weeks of the season for Pacheco have been a frustration, and it's hard to imagine things changing as he fights to return from injury.
There simply has been no consistent level of production and a lack of big plays out of the backfield that the Chiefs badly need to balance out the offensive attack. Add in the fact that Pacheco is only averaging a career-low 41.1 rushing yards per game in a contract year, and it is clear he is under immense pressure to turn things around sooner rather than later.
If the season ended today, there is zero question that the franchise would allow Pacheco to walk away as a free agent. He's done little to prove his worth this season, and continuing with the status quo is a surefire way to seal his fate in Kansas City.