Chiefs offense has three glaring issues holding Mahomes back

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to find a new spark offensively. After an incomplete showing from that side of the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles, there are many parts of the offense under review. If a few things had played out slightly differently against Philadelphia, the Chiefs likely would have emerged victorious, especially given how effective Kansas City’s defense was against that stout Eagles offense.

Simply put, the offensive philosophy of K.C. is at an interesting crossroads. Some aspects have worked in the first two weeks. For instance, Patrick Mahomes has created magic with his legs, throwing on the run and extending drives. The offensive line has also performed admirably. Yet it’s easy to see where the Chiefs’ offense may need to adjust if they hope to increase their output moving forward.

Which areas are in need of tinkering from the Chiefs’ offense? Here are a few to monitor.

Drop-back passing game

The drop-back passing game is too simplified. Straight drops for Mahomes out of shotgun will only take the Chiefs so far, especially when they’re dinking and dunking down the field. With a lack of consistent explosive plays, Mahomes is forced to pull rabbits out of his hat while waiting patiently for chances to open up. That approach can only carry the offense to a certain ceiling.

Mahomes has been more willing to take shots in the first two weeks of the season, but the Chiefs haven’t taken enough of those chances early in games. He was forced to hit a couple of deep balls in Brazil to Tyquan Thornton and Hollywood Brown, but by that point, they were already behind the eight-ball. And while Mahomes connected on a beautiful long touchdown pass to Thornton late against the Eagles, it was too little, too late after a largely erratic day from the offense.

Different offensive looks in passing situations

The Chiefs also need to evolve their philosophy in the passing game. Defenses have been playing deep over the top for years, and Kansas City hasn’t consistently disguised pre-snap looks to keep opponents guessing. Play-action passes and snaps from under center are opportunities for Mahomes to shine, yet we see those only rarely.

The more defenses see the same picture, the easier it is to defend. Kansas City can be methodical and succeed at times, but that cannot be the offense’s only mode—especially with their current skill-position group. Without true explosive threats, the Chiefs have been forced to grind out games far too often in recent seasons.

Lack of rushing success

Mahomes has been the team’s leading rusher through two games. He remains an elite runner in critical situations and in the postseason, and his mobility has prevented forced throws into traffic. Still, that approach can only go so far. The running back room must be more effective.

It’s not that the Chiefs shy away from running the ball. They’ve tried to establish the ground game in key moments of both contests. But without consistent success, their options shrink. Part of the problem is limited investment in the backfield and a style of runner that rarely produces explosive plays. Overall, there’s simply not enough speed.

When quickness is lacking, creativity in run design matters even more. For too many years, Kansas City has leaned on RPO concepts out of shotgun, but they lack the backfield burst to make those plays dangerous when the mesh point begins several yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Changes to watch for in upcoming games

Injuries and shifting roles have complicated things. That will change as Rashee Rice returns and, hopefully soon, Xavier Worthy reemerges. But for too long, the Chiefs have relied on this limited offensive approach without additional levers to pull. Injecting more options can help turn things around.

Quicker outlet throws could also sustain drives. The checkdowns Kansas City relies on are often late and fall into no man’s land for yards after the catch. At the same time, less dependence on underneath options and quick passes near the line of scrimmage could free Mahomes to attack the middle of the field, where he excels. Tapping into that early and often is something to watch.

Finally, the Chiefs cannot continue to live in third-and-long as they have through two games. Given the current roster around Mahomes, they must operate more smoothly on first and second down to create manageable third-and-short situations. After this 0-2 start, the question is whether Kansas City will adjust its offensive approach in time.