The Kansas City Chiefs are facing increasing pressure after a recent loss dropped their season record to 5-5, jeopardizing their playoff standing. Fans are beginning to express concern as the team struggles to maintain its strong presence in the AFC.
Following a 22-19 defeat to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, November 16, Head Coach Andy Reid addressed questions about the offense’s imbalance. Kansas City ran the ball only 14 times during the game.
Reid stated that many plays include both run and pass options for the quarterback. “Yesterday they were giving us opportunities to throw the ball. So we took advantage of the opportunities there,” Reid, 67, told reporters on Monday, November 17.
He further explained that even when run plays are called, they often convert into passes in modern football. This implies that quarterback Patrick Mahomes, 30, frequently opted to throw rather than run against the Broncos.
Mahomes completed 29 of 45 passes for one touchdown and one interception in the game. His performance included a notable missed long pass to Xavier Worthy in the first quarter.
The star quarterback acknowledged his own performance shortcomings after the game. “I just have to make the throw,” Mahomes said regarding the missed opportunity to Worthy. “The play was designed for Travis [Kelce], and I think Travis is wide open, but I missed that one.”
Mahomes emphasized the need for consistency, starting with himself. He noted that while the team shows flashes of easily moving the ball, there are also stretches where he misses passes or protection calls.
The loss places the Chiefs three games behind AFC West leader Denver. Kansas City is currently outside of the AFC playoff picture. ESPN assessed the Chiefs’ chances of missing the postseason at 44.6 percent after that weekend’s games.
Tight end Travis Kelce, 36, who set the Chiefs’ all-time receiving touchdown record in the Denver game, declined to speak with the media afterward.
Despite growing external anxieties, Coach Reid expressed a calmer perspective within the team. “We’re not as negative in here as the outside world,” he stated on Monday. “We know what we need to fix. And we have to get it done.”
Reid affirmed that the players understand the situation. He stressed the urgency to correct these issues immediately.
The Chiefs face another significant test on Sunday, November 23. They are set to host the Indianapolis Colts (8-2), who lead the AFC South.