In what was arguably the biggest game of the Kansas City Chiefs‘ early season, Kansas City struggled to keep quarterback Patrick Mahomes upright in what turned out to be a hotly contested game. It was by no means the Chiefs’ crispest game, and they left plays on the field they wish they could have back in all three phases.
But in the end, the Chiefs’ determination carried them on the road and helped them scrape together enough wins to open the season 4-0, beat the Las Vegas Raiders 30-27, and take
sole first place in the AFC West.
1. There is more to the pass protection concerns than Kahlil Benson
The biggest worry coming into this game was whether the Chiefs’ undrafted rookie free agent left tackle, Kahlil Benson, would be exposed against edge rusher Maxx Crosby and the rest of this Raiders defense. And the answer was “kind of.”
I actually thought Benson battled pretty well in this game, but left guard Kingsley Suamataia sat out this contest on what the Chiefs called a coaching decision. And while we don’t know what he did to find himself riding the pine, it had to be something bad for them to roll with Mike Caliendo, who has proven multiple times he’s not good enough to start in the NFL and was a liability this entire game.
As I said, we don’t know what Suamataia did, but to miss such an important game with your replacement playing so poorly, he must have dang near murdered somebody.
2. Tyquan Thornton was the X-factor for this offense
Thornton is never going to be your WR1. He will always be a role player. But Dante Hall was a role player. Jerrick McKinnon was a role player. Sometimes a role player is the difference between winning a hotly contested game against your arch rivals. And losing a game that makes you sick to your stomach because you know you should have won it.
But we’re not talking about hypotheticals here, because Thornton was in the midst of playing one of the greatest games of his life when he went down with what looked like a gruesome lower leg injury. It’s not about replacing him. We can’t replace him.
Thornton didn’t just score a touchdown in this game; he had a pair of them, in moments when the Chiefs needed it the most. His most clutch play was the one that got him hurt. Get well soon, Tyquan; Chiefs Kingdom loves you, big guy.
3. It’s time for Dave Toub to go
I always try to be hesitant when I call for a coaching change. But Toub has to be beyond the hot seat right now. Special teams didn’t just have a bad game today; they’ve had a bad three years, and things don’t seem to be going in the right direction. Having an illegal formation on the field is unacceptable. So is an illegal fair catch. And worst of all, they can’t cover the kick and keep giving the opposing team an advantageous field position. The lone bright spot on special teams has been Matt Arizia, who is playing like the league’s best punter. But aside from Arizia’s brilliance, the rest of the unit has been horrible.
It’s not a skill problem.
It’s a focus problem.
It’s an execution problem.
It’s a coaching problem.
4. Sack Nation should be The Republic of Pressure
A lot has been made about the Chiefs’ lack of ability to get sacks. But Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, R Mason Thomas, and even Felix Anudike Uzoimah quietly made Kirk Cousins uncomfortable all day long. And while they didn’t result in sacks, they forced the Vegas quarterback to make multiple back throws in key situations.
You can tell they came out in this game with fire, looking to make a point. Chris Jones said this week that he sees the sports media criticism of the Chiefs’ front four. If sports writers criticizing the Chiefs was what it took to get them to start wreaking havoc, then I hope the articles keep flowing in.
But for at least one week, it won’t be coming from me. The Chiefs’ pass rush came up big against the Raiders, including hitting Kirk Cousins on Las Vegas’ final offensive play, when George Karlaftis called ballgame.
5. Kenneth Walker is built different
We knew he was a stud. We knew he was built different. But Kenneth Walker III is built different in a room of guys who are built different. It’s not just his vision. It’s not his burst. His strength and his ability to break tackles. It’s not just his agility. It’s not his drive. Or his determination and the fact that he doesn’t go down until you pile on him and force him to the ground.
It’s all of it.
On every play.
Without exception.
