Long gone are the days of the Kansas City Chiefs' explosive offense. So far, they've scored two more field goals (7) than touchdowns (5), and that's without counting the two field goal attempts Harrison Butker has missed.
That's why Patrick Mahomes wants the team to be more aggressive right out of the gate. Talking to the media ahead of Sunday's clash with the Baltimore Ravens, he talked about the team's need to start faster.
Patrick Mahomes Wants Chiefs Offense to Start Faster
"We've got to start faster," Mahomes said, per Charles Goldman. "We were moving the game early last week, but we were settling into field goals."
Through three weeks, the Chiefs are tied 21st in points per game (20.0), and they rank in the middle of the pack in most offensive categories. They're 15th in passing yards per game (207.7), 14th in third-down conversion percentage (41.5 percent), and 17th in both total yards (331.0) and rushing yards per game (108.0).
The fans have been quick to point the finger at Matt Nagy, and rightfully so. However, injuries and tough luck have also played a big part in this, as Xavier Worthy has missed all but three snaps with a shoulder injury, and Rashee Rice is still serving a six-game suspension. As for the running game, Isiah Pacheco just hasn't been the same tackle-breaking, angry-running machine he was before last season's injury.
Patrick Mahomes Will Keep Slinging The Ball
While the Chiefs haven't made the most of the deep ball as often after Tyreek Hill left, Mahomes believes that slinging the pigskin down the field might be just what this team needs to get off to a faster start. Regardless of whether it works or not, he's not going to change his approach:
"I've put it on myself to give guys chances down the field," Mahomes said. "We've made it an emphasis to give guys chances down the field and make plays. It started in OTAs. I want guys to hold me accountable, to give guys chances."
That might be the right approach to take against the Ravens. They rank 31st of 32 in total yards allowed (420.3), passing yards allowed per game (266.0), and points given up (32.0). The Detroit Lions needed just over five minutes to set the tone in Week 1 with a touchdown, and they gave up gains of 14, 20, and 24 in the air as well as runs of 71 and 72 yards to David Montgomery.
This is the perfect matchup to exploit a weak secondary and get the offense going, especially if the Chiefs get Xavier Worthy back on the field, which is the expectation after his return to practice on Wednesday.