In our “Let’s Argue” series, our Mark Gunnels considers the hot takes, wacky predictions and unpopular opinions of Kansas City Chiefs fans from all over the world.
The Chiefs are closer to being fixed than people realize
Experience teaches us that nothing is ever as good as it seems — or as bad, either.
That perfectly illustrates the situation with the Chiefs. If you haven’t watched the first two games — that is, if you have only listened to people talk about the team — you might think the season
is already over.
Yes… this is the first time Kansas City has started 0-2 in the Patrick Mahomes era. Yes… that’s far from ideal. But it’s not time to panic.
Now… if the Chiefs had gone 0-2 against the Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans, that would be another matter. But they are just a couple plays removed from being 2-0 against a good Los Angeles Chargers team and the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Sure… there are no moral victories in this business. There is, however, reason for optimism after the Kansas City defense completely stifled the Philadelphia offense in Week 2.
There are certainly major concerns on offense — especially the lack of a running game outside of Mahomes. Right now, the running back group is what it is — but when wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are back, the passing game will open up the rushing attack.
Let’s just relax, shall we?
Given the touches, Isiah Pacheco will be a Pro Bowl running back
This is certainly a take.
So far, Kansas City’s starting running back has only 15 carries. While that’s a limited sample size, it’s safe to say he’s not maximizing his opportunities. The former seventh-round pick is only averaging 3.1 yards per carry.
Not everything is his fault, though. He is, of course, dependent on the offensive line to create holes for him. Still, Pacheco often doesn’t allow blocks to develop — and sometimes misses the hole altogether.
But despite these alarming flaws, I believe Pacheco can be productive when the passing game opens things up. Unfortunately, this probably won’t happen until Worthy and Rice are back.
Can he be a Pro Bowler?
When running backs like Derrick Henry, James Cook and Jonathan Taylor are in the AFC, I would say the odds are slim to none that Pacheco could achieve that honor.
Matt Nagy needs to get his walking papers
For two years, this has been a popular take in Chiefs Kingdom.
It’s no secret that the offensive coordinator isn’t popular with fans. We regularly see people clamoring for Eric Bieniemy to bring back the fire that Nagy seems to lack.
You won’t find me claiming Nagy is an offensive mastermind, so I don’t believe the criticism of him is overblown. Let’s not forget, however, that as long as Andy Reid is the head coach, this will always be his offense.
Does Nagy play a role? Sure. But when the offense is clicking, Reid gets the praise — not his offensive coordinator. So when things aren’t going well, Reid should shoulder most of the blame, too.
Besides… the NFL is, after all, a passing league. Without their top two receivers, most offenses are going to struggle.
Noah Gray needs to be more involved
Aside from Mahomes leading the team in rushing, the reserve tight end’s lack of usage might be the most puzzling aspect of the offense.
Without Rice and Worthy, we might expect Kansas City to use more 12 and 13 personnel, getting Gray more involved in the passing game. That hasn’t happened. Through two games, he has just two receptions for four yards.
As long as tight end Travis Kelce is on the field, he will command high volume — but that does not mean Gray cannot have an impact. Last season, he finished with two more touchdowns than Kelce.
It is still early, so there is no reason to sound the alarm. Just the same, Gray could provide the passing attack with some much-needed energy.
