The Kansas City Chiefs couldn't get anything going against the Seattle Seahawks' championship-caliber defense. The 20-3 was even uglier than the score indicates for the Chiefs' offense, but more than that, it was a wake-up call against a true Super Bowl contender.
The Chiefs' offensive playmaking unit is severely undermanned, but that shouldn't have been an excuse. If anything, that only made the decision not to play Cyrus Allen all the more baffling, given the shortage of talent they have around Patrick Mahomes.
Once again, the Chiefs' rookie was a non-factor. After hearing all the rave reviews coming out of training camp and the preseason, one can only wonder what must happen for Andy Reid to actually give him a chance.
The Kansas City Chiefs need to give Cyrus Allen an opportunity
Allen's offensive snap count has gone up in the past couple of games, with nine in Week 6 and a career-high 16 in the loss to the Seahawks. Even with limited opportunities, he's shown that he can be a factor in the passing game.
Allen led all Chiefs wide receivers with 18 yards, though that production came on a single catch and on the team's opening drive. He was targeted twice in a game the Chiefs desperately needed to make something happen.
Reid has been infamously patient with rookie wide receivers, but it's not like he has much of a choice right now. Tyquan Thornton is out for the season, and they don't have any sort of vertical threat. Even if they were to sign Tyreek Hill, there are no guarantees that he can be that guy anymore.
Rashee Rice is dealing with a soft-tissue injury, and even when healthy, he's been fairly underwhelming. The same can be said of the inconsistent Xavier Worthy; he can't be trusted to deliver on a weekly basis.
So, why not give the rookie a chance? Dumb down the system if it's too complex for a first-year player. It's on the coach to put the player in a position to succeed and adapt to his personnel, and not necessarily the other way around.
Patrick Mahomes is talented and intelligent—he'll find a way to get the ball to him, even if he messes up a route or can't fully grasp the concepts yet. Playmakers just need to be on the field, and they'll make something happen.
Allen is the team's only hope of getting something done in the passing game right now. That's an indictment of the roster Brett Veach put together, but that's a story for another day.
Feed the rook!
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