Chiefs Get Exposed By Seahawks 20-3: Panic Time?

The second half wasn’t much better for Kansas City, as they only managed three points total. Mahomes finished the game 19/33 with 165 passing yards and an interception. Walker finished with his worst stat line of the season so far: 65 yards on 14 carries. Darnold finished 20/28 with 257 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. 

A major reason the Seahawks have been struggling is their lack of a run game, but RB Emanuel Wilson managed to run for 100 yards and a touchdown. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba lived up to his elite status and caught nine passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. The real star of the show, however, was Seattle’s defensive line. Mahomes was pressured 14 times, sacked once, and looked like he was transported back to Super Bowl 59.

The Chiefs’ defense did enough that it’s hard to blame them much for this loss, but they also allowed the Seahawks to convert 11/16 3rd downs, many of which were 3rd-and-longs. The pass rush struggled once again to reach Darnold, recording a whopping zero sacks. It was not a great performance from Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, but only allowing 20 points to the Super Bowl champions should be enough to win the game. It wasn’t.

Chiefs Get Exposed: What Now?

The Kansas City receiving corps was exposed, combining for just 36 receiving yards total. If this isn’t a wake-up call to Brett Veach to make a move for a receiver, I don’t know what will be. Whether it’s a trade or signing Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs need to do something. Rashee Rice will return from his hamstring injury, but will he really make a difference? The receivers struggled even with him in the lineup.

Harrison Butker’s time in Kansas City could be coming to an end, as his nightmare season continues. Butker went 1/3 on field goals Sunday night, missing from 45 yards and 58 yards. This is the second game in a row he struggled, making this a concerning trend for the 10-year Chief. He is 31 years old, meaning it might be time to consider bringing in a new kicker to at least compete for the job. Kansas City shouldn’t make a rash move yet, but if he keeps missing field goals, the Butker era may be over.

Some solace for the Chiefs is that their offensive line shouldn’t be this bad going forward. RT Jaylon Moore was missed dearly in this game, as Kansas City struggled in pass protection and run blocking. Luckily, he will most likely return from concussion protocol next week. Also, this was a must-win for Seattle, and it was no surprise they came to play. The Chiefs should be embarrassed by this performance, but Kansas City is still 5-1 and atop its division for now.

End Of My Kansas City Chiefs Get Exposed Rant

Getting dominated is never a good sign for a Chiefs team that hopes to contend for a Super Bowl. This has happened before, though, for Andy Reid and Mahomes. In 2021, Kansas City lost 27-3 to the Tennessee Titans, yet they won their next eight games, finishing 12-5. The Chiefs hope to rebound next week against the Denver Broncos, their division rival. Seattle will try to get a win streak going against the Chicago Bears.