Kansas City Contributors: Players the Chiefs Must Involve Post-Bye – The Kansas City Chiefs have fought their way to an 8-1 record. While undeniably impressive, it hasn’t always been pretty. Of their nine games, only those against the Texans, Ravens, Bills, Broncos and Jets were won in dominant fashion. They struggled to the end with the Chargers and Panthers, and took their time putting a way a Patriots team playing two backup QBs. They also did something they rarely do, losing against the Raiders at home. Wins do not come easy, in the NFL, but if Chiefs keep being in so many close ones, it’s eventually going to bite them. Fortunately, with a week to rest and regroup Andy Reid will have a chance to evaluate where the team is at and make some necessary changes. A good place to start is adjusting which players are contributing and how.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
The Chiefs 1st round pick has seen his reps steadily fall, heading into the bye week. Reid may be trying to keep him fresh for the playoffs, or get Le’Veon Bell more involved, in the offense, but either way, it’s not working. Bell hasn’t looked much better than Darrel Williams, and CEH has barely been involved in the passing game. The latter is the bigger issue as his ability as a receiver, is largely what justified picking him in the first round. Brett Veach has done a very good excellent job in the draft, but the production that the Chiefs are getting out of Edwards-Helaire isn’t enough to justify his draft slot. That needs to change.
L’Jarius Sneed
Kansas City’s young 4th round pick started off the season on a tear, logging an interception in each of his 1st two games, before getting injured in the 3rd game. Chiefs have seen positive flashes from Charvarius Ward, but his season has been mired in inconsistency. If Sneed can step in and either take over Ward’s role, or diminish his reps, it could take Chiefs’ pass defense, already among the league’s best, to a whole other level. Giving a boost to the coverage unit could be a huge help to a pass rush that has yet to realize its potential.
A New Defensive End
Chiefs have struggled with injuries at the defensive end position, but no matter who has lined up, opposite Frank Clark, the Chiefs are getting gashed in the run game. This leads to a lot of 3rd and short situations where K.C. can’t pin their ears back and rush the passer. The Chiefs need to find a DE who can reliably set the edge. That could be a practice squad player, like Tim Ward, or a Free Agent, like Terrell Suggs. Tershawn Wharton has been coming on strong, in the middle and some rest should help Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi, who’ve both been playing through some injuries. If K.C. can stop the run on first down, we should finally start to see the kind of sack production this group is capable of.
Sammy Watkins
As usual, Watkins has struggled with injuries and his loss has held the offense back from reaching its full potential. In spite of that, Patrick Mahomes is on an MVP-like pace with 25 TDs to just 1 (one) Interception. If Watkins can return, fully healthy, this offense becomes substantially more dangerous. Fans have enjoyed the success of rookie Undrafted Free Agent, Tommy Townsend, but a resurgent Watkins will relegate him to a role as holder. If Sammy plays up to his potential, the Chiefs won’t be punting the ball anymore.
Daniel Kilgore
Austin Reiter’s performance had been up and down, and when Andy Reid decided to rest him, in favor of Daniel Kilgore, the overall Offensive Line play improved significantly. Last week, they re-inserted Reiter and things looked worse again. Reid tends to be loyal to his starters, especially in a contract year, but if the tape shows that Kilgore is the better option, the Chiefs need to start him and stick with him. Mahomes took entirely too many hits last Sunday.
Honorary Mention: Martinas Rankin
Rankin played well for the Chiefs last year, but suffered a sever knee injury. While he may be ready to come off IR, he’s not likely an upgrade, at this point, over their other options, at Guard. I expect him to start in 2021, but rust and rehab will likely limit him to a depth role this year.
Summary: Players to Involve Post-Bye
The Chiefs are one hiccup away from being undefeated. With the addition of early contributors, in Sammy Watkins and L’Jarius Sneed, they have a chance to become even better at things they already do well. If they can get Clyde Edwards-Helaire involved in the passing game and insert some fresh blood at Defensive End, they have a chance to get better in areas where they’ve struggled. Whoever gets involved, rest assured that the Chiefs eagerly anticipate their re-match with the Oakland Raiders. Expect next week’s game to send a clear message. Go Chiefs.
Ransom Hawthorne — ArrowheadOne
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