Chiefs' 0-2 Start: What Matters and What Doesn't
The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in unfamiliar territory with an 0-2 start to the 2025 season. This marks the first time since 2014, when Patrick Mahomes was at Texas Tech, that the Chiefs have begun a season with two consecutive losses. This article examines the pressing concerns and potential overreactions surrounding the team's performance.
Assessing the Chiefs' Early Struggles
While starting 0-2 is not ideal, it's important to consider the context. The Chiefs lost two close, one-score games. Last season's remarkable 17-game winning streak in such contests was statistically unsustainable. Mahomes is scrambling more frequently, indicating an increased reliance on his improvisational skills to compensate for offensive shortcomings.
Comparisons are being drawn to the 2021 season, when the Chiefs started 3-4 before finishing 12-5 and reaching the AFC Championship Game. An executive from a rival AFC team downplays the schedule strength of teams like Buffalo, emphasizing Mahomes's ability to overcome adversity.
Offensive Personnel Concerns
The absence of key players is impacting the Chiefs' offensive capabilities. The injuries to Xavier Worthy and the suspension of Rashee Rice leave Mahomes without crucial targets. The team struggles for size and speed. According to one NFL coach, there appears to be an issue with the offense's timing and preparation.
Before this season, Mahomes was 41-2 when releasing the ball quickly (2.6 seconds or less). This season, he's 0-2 in those games, indicating a disconnect between quick throws and successful outcomes. The Athletic’s playoff projection model currently gives the Chiefs a 56 percent chance of reaching the playoffs.
The Impact of "Juiced" Footballs
A change in the handling of footballs is impacting field goal kicking across the league. Teams now receive 60 footballs before training camp, allowing kickers ample time to prepare them. This has led to increased proficiency from long range, potentially altering game strategy.
Teams have already matched the total long field goals made in the first two weeks of a season, before the end of Week 2. In the past teams had very little time to prepare the balls before use. This increased long range accuracy may force adjustments to defensive strategies.
Bears' Struggles and Ben Johnson's Impact
The Chicago Bears are also facing challenges, starting 0-2. The defense and special teams are performing below expectations despite the focus on the quarterback play of Caleb Williams. The defense even allowed 52 points in their game against Detroit.
Head Coach Ben Johnson even pulled Williams early in a blowout defeat against the Lions which sparked some controversy. This led to questions about whether Johnson was protecting his starter.
Dolphins' Uncertain Future
The Miami Dolphins, also 0-2, face a crucial stretch with a Thursday night game against Buffalo and a subsequent long layoff. Coach Mike McDaniel's job security is reportedly under scrutiny due to the team's performance relative to their spending. Their defense has plummeted in EPA rankings.
49ers' Draft Decisions and Kicker Woes
The San Francisco 49ers defeated New Orleans, but the team is likely kicking themselves for drafting kicker Jake Moody too high. The team cut Moody after the week. Several offensive linemen selected after Moody in the 2023 draft have become starters for their respective teams. Teams also lack the ability to help kickers out of slumps.
Lions' Rebound
The Detroit Lions bounced back after a Week 1 loss to Green Bay with a strong performance against the Bears. The Lions are performing very well on offense. Green Bay's methodical approach to early leads has been impressive, including a focus on throwing the ball deep downfield.
Around the League: Colts and Seahawks
The Indianapolis Colts are the only team since at least 2000 to score on their first 10 drives of a season. The Seattle Seahawks are becoming more balanced on offense. The Seahawks made a strong performance on third down by Kenneth Walker.
The Chiefs’ Offense Is a Mess, Even with Patrick Mahomes
Despite having Andy Reid as coach, Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, and Travis Kelce at tight end, the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense is struggling. The running game is stagnant. Changes to the offensive line are not proving effective. This reliance is leading to Mahomes playing "hero ball", and struggling to score 20 points many weeks.
One AFC general manager spoke anonymously. He stated that the problem lies within the personnel, not the scheme. The team lacks playmakers with Rashee Rice suspended and Xavier Worthy injured. Marquise Brown’s lack of size is more apparent, and his hands have been an issue. Expect Mahomes to run often and improvise to keep drives alive.
Red zone struggles are putting pressure on Mahomes and the defense. Kansas City’s red-zone touchdown rate has dropped significantly since Jerick McKinnon’s injury problems began in the 2023 season.
The lack of playmakers have led to predictability. One General Manager believes they will add another receiver by the deadline. Speculation is starting about a potential Tyreek Hill reunion, but that seems unlikely.
Among the other problems for the Chiefs, in the near term, are their schedule and the fact that the AFC West is loaded with future Hall of Fame coaches. This could mark the first time that Mahomes is the lone winless team in the AFC West. A lot is riding on Rashee Rice returning from injury.
Reid’s stranglehold on the division might be in jeopardy. Pete Carroll had the Las Vegas Raiders looking like a professional operation in a nice road win at New England. Could they be below .500 heading into Thanksgiving? It’s far too early to know whether the Chiefs are in real trouble. But it’s worth noting the identity of this team has shifted.
Is it Time to Panic for the Kansas City Chiefs Yet?
The Kansas City Chiefs have started the season in a 0-2 hole. If you're a numbers person, you may be aware that the Chiefs are currently on a three-game losing streak dating back to last year's Super Bowl.
Andy Reid spoke to the media after the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and said, "I thought my guys played their tail off and played hard and aggressive football."
No reason to panic in Kansas City just yet. When it comes to playoff time, expect the Kansas City Chiefs to be right in the thick of it.