The Chiefs now sit at the top of the AFC West. With a first-round bye, they have plenty of time to rest and get healthy. While the defense is the Chiefs’ “go-to”, the offense is starting to spark at just the right time.
The Kansas City Chiefs Are Hitting Their Stride at Just the Right Time
Over the past two weeks, the Chiefs put up over 30 points against two divisional opponents. One of those, the Denver Broncos, have one of the NFL’s best defenses. Over the past five games, the Chiefs have averaged 27.8 points. Although they’ve posted large scoring numbers recently, the way they’ve done it is what should catch people’s attention.
Recent Action
In the game against the Atlanta Falcons, the Chiefs found the end zone four times, two while on offense, one with an Eric Berry pick-six, and one with a trick punt, where Albert Wilson ran for a 55-yard touchdown. Against the Raiders, the offense again put up two touchdowns with a pass to Tyreek Hill and a run by Spencer Ware. Another touchdown came on yet another special teams play where Hill returned a punt for a touchdown.
Two games later, the Chiefs shut down the Denver Broncos with two rushing touchdowns, two passing touchdowns, and two field goals. One of those touchdowns was a trick play where defensive tackle Dontari Poe took the snap and tossed the ball to Demetrius Harris. It was one of the most memorable plays of an already exciting Chiefs victory.
Last week against the Chargers, Kansas City had three field goals, three offensive touchdowns, and yet another Tyreek Hill punt return to the end zone. This was done even (in large part) without many plays by Travis Kelce, Spencer Ware, or Jeremy Maclin.
Why it Matters
With a defense that led the NFL in the regular season in forced turnovers and maintained high efficiency in the red zone, the offense traditionally hasn’t had to post many high scoring games. However, their showing in the past five weeks has proven that they can if they need to. They will also do it in ways their opponents (and their fans) will not expect.
Dontari Poe has found the end zone twice this year, one with a rush against the Raiders and one with the pass to Harris against Denver. His presence on the offensive side of the ball should be enough for defenses to be afraid. He can run it in, pass to someone else, or simply act as a diversion. Don’t forget the Chiefs still have speedster Tyreek Hill, ascending tight end Travis Kelce, and a mobile Alex Smith.
The Chiefs’ success in special teams has also boosted them ahead in games in a critical way. Tyreek Hill is already a record-holding special teams player. Considering he’s still only a rookie, imagine what is down the road for him as he continues to develop.
Cornerback Marcus Peters enjoyed his rookie season last year by forcing turnovers, a trait he has continued into 2016. However, with his abilities becoming more well-known, even veteran quarterbacks like Matt Ryan and Drew Brees decided to avoid him. As such, he has added shutdown cornerback to his list of attributes.
Looking Forward
The Chiefs two most likely AFC opponents for the playoffs are the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots. Both teams possess elite offenses headed by veterans Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady, respectively. Both are teams that the Chiefs will have to score points against just in order to compete, let alone win.
That being said, with the way the offense has played recently, there’s plenty to be comfortable with going forward. Even if the offense isn’t able to produce the plays needed to win, look for Tyreek Hill on returns.
The Chiefs have a lot to look forward to, not just in the postseason. They have established themselves as a top-tier contender in the NFL, and teams will have to dial up their game plans when they face Kansas City.
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