The Kansas City Chiefs’ early struggles are the talk of the league. Fans are wondering when the team will shake off its Super Bowl hangover.
Why have the Chiefs struggled early this season?
The Chiefs’ 0-2 start could mean that Father Time is catching up to star players, or just perhaps that the law of averages is finally kicking in. The Chiefs lost to the Eagles 20-17 on Sunday in a Super Bowl LIX rematch. They have lost three straight for the first time in eight seasons with Patrick Mahomes as the starting quarterback. It’s also their first 0-2 start since 2014.
It’s an uncomfortable feeling for the organization and the fans. The Chiefs have won the AFC West division for nine consecutive years. They’ve been to four of the last five Super Bowls and won three of them.
Mahomes tried to explain what’s gone wrong.
“We played two good football teams and made mistakes in big moments, stuff that we’re not used to doing,” he said. “But I think we’re coming together as a team. When you deal with adversity, it’s about how you deal with it. Obviously, this isn’t how we wanted to start, but how are we going to respond?”
Will they still make the playoffs?
Since 1970, only 43 of 422 NFL teams that started 0-2 made the playoffs. That’s 10.1%, according to Yahoo Sports. The percentage rises slightly to 11.9% since the playoffs expanded to 14 teams in 2020. The Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams defied those odds and made the playoffs last year.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is taking the blame for the play calling on Sunday.
“They were going to stay aggressive, likewise,” Reid said. “I think it’s important against that crew [the Eagles] that you stay aggressive. I probably could dial up some different things there, but against them, I think you have to do that.”
Reid and the offense could use top receiver Rashee Rice, who is suspended for the first six games of the season after pleading guilty to felony charges tied to a multi-vehicle crash last year.
Last season’s top draft pick, receiver Xavier Worthy, is also out with a shoulder injury, but could return soon.
That said, the Chiefs are one of just three teams since 2023 that have failed to put up 30 points in a game.
“It’s one guy here or there. It’s not like we’re missing by much,” Mahomes said. “I know it sucks to hear as fans, but I feel like we’re close. All we can do is continue to work and continue to get after it and be ready to play the Giants next week.”
Who is next on the schedule?
Defensive end George Karlaftis said players did not hang their heads in despair Sunday as they walked off the field, which should help them rebound.
“That’s us saying, ‘Back to work.’ That’s what it is, win or loss,” Karlaftis said. “The loss stings, and we’re going to learn a lot from it. We’re going to rally behind each other.”
The New York Giants are the Chiefs’ next opponent. They are also 0-2 after a shootout loss to Dallas Sunday. Giants quarterback Russell Wilson threw for a career-high 450 yards in the 40-37 defeat.
The Chiefs return home for a showdown with the Baltimore Ravens in week four. If they can somehow get back to 2-2, all will be right once again in Chiefs Kingdom.
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