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Solid article and well researched, Keys! On the Chiefs rushing attack it’s important to understand that they don’t base their offense on the run. They throw a lot of short/quick routes that often serve as a “run” on first down. In fact, this year’s team actually runs the ball better than last year’s.
2019: 1,569 yds, 4.2 ypc
2020: 1,799 yds, 4.5 ypc
This stat did surprise me. The 154 yards from Hardman and Hill definitely help. Looks like they only got 52 yards from receiver runs the year before. But I agree scheme and the addition of CEH's first round talent as the difference maker from 2019. I guess the story here is that Andy Reid and his Tommy Bahama shirts have significantly changed the offense as Mahomes has matured.
There have definitely been red zone running woes this year, though. I’m still not sure if it’s a line issue or the fact that CEH has gotten the majority of red zone touches and isn’t the biggest guy. Bell fits the red zone runner role but hasn’t had a ton of opportunities yet.
Lastly, the fact that this year’s line ranks 11th is pretty impressive. All-pro guard LDT opted out and all pro-tackle Schwartz has been out since week 6. Even solid fill ins like Osemele were lost to injury after just a few games. Despite the injuries, the Chiefs have been able to open up some rushing lanes this season. The best example is the week 6 game that they lost Schwartz early in (one week after losing Osemele and Reiter DNP). Very cold, windy game in Buffalo so they committed to the run with 46 carries for 245 yards. I can’t remember them emphasizing the run that much in a game since Jamaal Charles.
Jamaal Charles for the win! How much do they miss Kareem Hunt though?
Really appreciate the insight you can give as a week-to-week Chiefs fan. I didn't even notice all the drama at guard, I just noticed CEH having a few good weeks early, losing his consistency as the season progressed, and then Bell showing up to very little increased production. I guess I would go back to my original thesis and say - yes, this offense is explosive and the numbers reflect that, but let's not pretend they are perfect.
I'm still wondering if Reid veered away from the run because he has third stringers at guard, or if this is who the Chiefs are now. They are more reliant on long passing plays than ever before. They have less field goals and a less efficient Red Zone offense, and I'm looking for answers... I'd contend it's the guards.
Ultimately this year’s offense has definitely had some strange issues at times (a weird 1 for 18 on third down and 10+ stretch when they were averaging over 30% conversion in such scenarios!), but most of the woes appear short lived. Asking the Browns defense to slow down this Chiefs offense coming off of a bye is a tall task. Their best opportunity lies in establishing the ground game, erasing clock, and eliminating possessions. That and trying to exploit the KC defense with a few well timed deep balls when they overreact to stopping the run. All in all it should be a fun game to watch!
I'm stoked. I believe it will bel closer than the national media make it out to be, but that bye week and home game put it out of reach on my mind.