Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid have grown weary of the recent string of losses. Amid a challenging run that has marked the second half of the 2024 NFL season, the Head Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs decided to overhaul the team’s strategy in a final push for a postseason berth.
Since their 24-9 defeat against the Denver Broncos in Week 8, the Chiefs have tallied three wins and five losses, dropping four of the last six and three of the last four games. In response to this losing streak and with a playoff spot hanging in the balance, Reid has taken decisive action to streamline the playbook, as reported by Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelisero.
Both insiders from NFL Network suggest that Reid intends to minimize the time spent transitioning players on and off the field during each play. This adjustment aims to help Mahomes and the team focus on executing their strengths.
After losing three of their last four games, and struggling mightily on offense, the #Chiefs are paring things down. Fewer plays, fewer packages, better execution (they hope).
My story with @TomPelissero: https://t.co/AaC6Uufmj9https://t.co/AaC6Uufmj9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 31, 2023
“After losing three of their last four games and struggling mightily on offense, the Chiefs are trimming things down-fewer plays, fewer packages, with the hope of better execution,” noted Rapoport in his analysis.
The Chiefs’ statistics
Under Reid’s leadership, Kansas City has consistently ranked among the top six teams in the league for points scored. However, this season, they find themselves at number 11. In total yards, they currently hold the ninth position, a step down from last year when they secured the top spot.
Patrick Mahomes has never played a road playoff game. If the #Chiefs are going to figure things out and make another Super Bowl run, he’ll have to win away from Arrowhead for the first time. https://t.co/f2GoulEMay
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 25, 2023
As of Week 16, Mahomes ranks fifth in yards scored, a departure from the previous year when he dominated this category. His quarterback rating, which was the best among starting quarterbacks last year at 105.2, has dipped to an average of 91.7 points this year, placing him outside the top ten. Only time will reveal the outcome of Reid’s decision. A successful adjustment could propel them to a second consecutive Super Bowl, while a misstep might result in an early exit for the reigning champions.
