A loss that shakes: The Chiefs must prove they are not who they now appear to be

[Hammock Parties]

Most ominous shit Sam has ever written

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/sp...223500455.html

SEATTLE

Do this job long enough and the signs make themselves obvious. The worst losses have a different sound afterward, the busy silence occasionally broken up by a locker door slamming, or team leaders declining to talk to reporters, or hope for hope’s sake.

The losses that sting make clear the difference between a team that’s earned the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a team that might still wear that title despite itself.

The moments that shake are the difference between a team that lost, and these Chiefs who lost their swagger after a 38-31 nationally televised loss here to the Seahawks.

“It seems extreme right now but that’s not the reality of it,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “Just a fix a couple things and we’ll be alright.”

He might be right. Actually, that’s not true. He is right. Just a couple things. The Chiefs have now lost four games, by a total of 10 points, each of them decided in one form or another late in the fourth quarter.

They’ve lost to two AFC teams. The Patriots have lost three of five, and the Chargers have led the Chiefs for exactly 4 of 7,200 seconds this season. The Chiefs play the Raiders at home next week, which is the closest thing the NFL offers to a week 17 bye. Win that and the Chiefs have the No. 1 seed.

So, Reid is right. Just a couple things. This is not a disaster.

But you sure can see disaster from here.

“You have to find a way to win these games,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “We haven’t been lately, so that’s the most frustrating thing. Everybody’s got to step up.”

Repeat: Just a couple things. We’ll be alright.

That works enough as coach speak in a postgame press conference, words that nobody in the room believes tell the whole story, but let’s play along. A couple things.

One would be the run defense. The Seahawks ran for the most predictable 210 yards in NFL history. Up the middle, around the edge, quarterback Russell Wilson on a scramble. Whatever. It all worked.

One would be the pass defense. The Chiefs again could not cover, and when they did cover, they could not make the play. They made up for all of that by missing far too many tackles.

One would be penalties. They padded their league-leading total with eight more, including one on a missed field goal and four others that gave the Seahawks first downs.

One would be the offense. Nobody wants to admit it, but this is two games in a row the offense has not been good enough. Last week against the Chargers, they needed one first down on their last possession. They went three and out. This week, they managed just 10 points with two turnovers (one that gifted the Seahawks a touchdown) before halftime. They had five possessions in which they punted or turned it over within three plays.

This team was always going as far as the offense would take it, whether that’s fair or not, and the last two weeks the offense hasn’t been good enough.

That’s four things, which is technically more than “a couple,” but this is no time for nitpicking so let’s get to the point.

Do you have confidence the Chiefs will fix these problems? And if so, why? How?

The Chiefs are in a precarious place. They are the probable No. 1 seed, even still, and are giving seldom-used rookie defensive backs the ol’ screw-it-how-much-worse-could-they-be opportunities in week 16 road games.

They have been the AFC’s best team for virtually the entire season, but at this point that feels more like an indictment on the rest of the conference than a reason to be confident in the Chiefs.

Assuming they beat the Raiders next week — and if they don’t, they’ve got much bigger problems — we are still three weeks from the Chiefs’ next real test.

And the heck of it is that Reid is factually accurate. They’re not that far off. The NFL’s gravitational pull means parody rules the day, always has, and the Chiefs will likely have homefield advantage, the best quarterback, and the best offense in the field.

That is an incredible place to be, particularly in what the organization originally forecasted as a transition year.

But the Chiefs are trending the wrong way, at the wrong time. That offense isn’t as dynamic as it once was. Eric Berry is playing again, but most of the biggest problems on defense still exist, even when he’s not on the sideline during the most important moments.

The Chiefs have everything in front of them, even still.

But the truth is a lot of their fans are terrified of what that means.

[TEX]

Originally Posted by Pushead2

I hate that people keep lumping the offense into this - please stop.

No shit. Reminds me of all the Alex Smith fans. He's gone, look how much better the offense got. Yet, defense is worse this season, so let's blame it on the offense. Idiots.

[Red Dawg2]

We lack an intensity and toughness on both sides of the ball. That was clear last night. Teams take on the attitude of their coaches. Pretty clear we don't have coaches that have an intensity to their style.

[NJChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by TEX

No shit. Reminds me of all the Alex Smith fans. He's gone, look how much better the offense got. Yet, defense is worse this season, so let's blame it on the offense. Idiots.

I can't speak for everyone but I personally think, whether it's stated well or not, that deep down the criticism of the offense is coming from the point of view that is has to be better to overcome the defense.

It's not really about the offense actually being bad. It's about it needing to be better, fair or not, because the defense isn't going to be. If the offense isn't at an A every game we are in trouble.

I'm sure there are a few that actually think the offense was bad but really it's more about what the offense NEEDS to be, not what it fairly SHOULD be.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by TEX

No shit. Reminds me of all the Alex Smith fans. He's gone, look how much better the offense got. Yet, defense is worse this season, so let's blame it on the offense. Idiots.

Originally Posted by NJChiefsFan

I can't speak for everyone but I personally think, whether it's stated well or not, that deep down the criticism of the offense is coming from the point of view that is has to be better to overcome the defense.

It's not really about the offense actually being bad. It's about it needing to be better, fair or not, because the defense isn't going to be. If the offense isn't at an A every game we are in trouble.

I'm sure there are a few that actually think the offense was bad but really it's more about what the offense NEEDS to be, not what it fairly SHOULD be.

It depends on perspective. Do you expect the offense simply to not suck, or do it expect it to be a difference maker?

It objectively is far from sucking, but it isn't making a difference.

[stumppy]

They are exactly what they appear to be.

[Jerm]

Originally Posted by Red Dawg2

We lack an intensity and toughness on both sides of the ball. That was clear last night. Teams take on the attitude of their coaches. Pretty clear we don't have coaches that have an intensity to their style.

Lack discipline too...players do just the dumbest things and Andy is all ¯\_(ツ)_/¯....

[Naptown Chief]

Originally Posted by In58men

I thought this game didn’t matter?

I thought the same thing... Wasn't that the narrative these guys spewed all week? It didn't matter until we lost I guess

[Skyy God]

Eh, I’m not panicking yet. They’ll beat the Raiders and have 2 weeks for Cam, Fuller and (maybe) LDT and Watkins to get healthy.

But it’s certainly starting to look like the “limp into the playoffs banged up” teams of years past.

Also, Andy needs to let Pat play more hurry up.

[jettio]

So Mellinger gets paid to write about sports and he does not notice that Sammy Watkins is not playing and Kareem Hunt is released and Spencer Ware is hurt and Tyreek Hill is playing at 75% speed, when evaluating the offense.

Truth is, if the NFL reviewed judgment calls on Offensive Line Holding and WR/DB interference holding in Seacaucus and corrected WTF calls, the Chiefs would probably be 13-2, in spite of the injuries. I think NFL will need to do that within a few years. So many bad calls affecting games.

I think if Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and Spencer Ware are healthy for the playoffs, the offense will be fine. Especially if Erving and LDT are healthy and playing the line. Jeff Allen has done well for the Chiefs a couple years ago, but OL would be better if he does not need to play.

As for defense, we have enough talent if they played with some toughness. The best thing about the Ravens D is that they tackle hard without drawing many penalties. Chiefs D needs to learn how to tackle hard within the new rules and without fear of getting hurt. Seems like the Chiefs defenders play not to get hurt.

I think if we beat Raiders and play well. Chiefs will get to Super Bowl as underdog, and I will believe that they can win.

Reid is one of the best coaches and that is evident at the start of the season, when his healthy team is playing against the other healthy teams. Taking health into consideration, Chiefs offense is not what it was, hopefully players heal up enough by January 12 so that Chiefs are ready to make a Super Bowl run.

[FAX]

Jesus, guys ...

We still have the #1 seed in our total control and only the damn Faid as the speed-bump. We have the clear league MVP as our quarterback (which would be a franchise first). We've won 11 games playing one of the most challenging schedules possible. And most people predicted the Seahags game as a loss months ago because they're damn difficult to beat in their house late in the year (everything has to go right and, if it doesn't, you typically lose). As Mr. gblowfish rightly pointed out, an 8-8 season was an exorbitant expectation this year ... not the #1 seed. And nobody in their right mind would have even predicted a playoff berth (that bet would have won you some real money in August).

Parody might be the right word. It's a loss on the road while we're playing with backups basically everywhere including o-line, RB, WR, corner, etc., etc., etc..

Sure, it sucks because we could have won (and maybe should have), but HFA is real and we have a legit shot next week to take it. Simmah!

FAX

[pugsnotdrugs19]

Originally Posted by FAX

Jesus, guys ...

We still have the #1 seed in our total control and only the damn Faid as the speed-bump. We have the clear league MVP as our quarterback (which would be a franchise first). We've won 11 games playing one of the most challenging schedules possible. And most people predicted the Seahags game as a loss months ago because they're damn difficult to beat in their house late in the year (everything has to go right and, if it doesn't, you typically lose). As Mr. gblowfish rightly pointed out, an 8-8 season was an exorbitant expectation this year ... not the #1 seed. And nobody in their right mind would have even predicted a playoff berth (that bet would have won you some real money in August).

Parody might be the right word. It's a loss on the road while we're playing with backups basically everywhere including o-line, RB, WR, corner, etc., etc., etc..

Sure, it sucks because we could have won (and maybe should have), but HFA is real and we have a legit shot next week to take it. Simmah!

FAX

I wanna believe Fax, but they’re going to have to show me in the playoffs before I expect anything again. I mean shit, you’ve watched this defense. Poorly coached, no, horrifically coached... the unbelievable thing is they can rush the passer with only 4, something all good defenses need to be able to do. But the second and third levels are such an AIDS fire that it matters very little.

[FAX]

Originally Posted by pugsnotdrugs19

I wanna believe Fax, but they’re going to have to show me in the playoffs before I expect anything again. I mean shit, you’ve watched this defense. Poorly coached, no, horrifically coached... the unbelievable thing is they can rush the passer with only 4, something all good defenses need to be able to do. But the second and third levels are such an AIDS fire that it matters very little.

I'm familiar with the pain, Mr. pugsnotdrugs19. I, too, have been laughed at and humiliated by donk fans and stooler fans and pats fans and fat girls and homeless people whilst wearing my Chiefs hat. Our playoff failures are legendary.

I knew we could have won last night and I know it now. In fact, I was surprised as hell that the offense got off to such a slow start. Shocked, really. I simply choose not to wallow in despair over a late-season road loss to a good team fighting for the playoffs while we're playing backups in practically every position of importance.

I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm not interested in succumbing to hopelessness when we've actually turned a big corner. I focus on the big picture. And my picture has Mahomes and Wally hoisting the Lombardi ... if not this year, very soon.

FAX

[Chief Northman]

Originally Posted by pugsnotdrugs19

I wanna believe Fax, but they’re going to have to show me in the playoffs before I expect anything again. I mean shit, you’ve watched this defense. Poorly coached, no, horrifically coached... the unbelievable thing is they can rush the passer with only 4, something all good defenses need to be able to do. But the second and third levels are such an AIDS fire that it matters very little.

You coming around pugs?

By mid-week, your positivity will come back. This is not an insult btw. You are better at seeing the positives than I am.

What is more tiring than Sutton’s defense falling short is the perpetual “next year” promise. It NEVER materializes. This squad is about to blow a #1 seed armed with a record-breaking phenom at QB that has scored the most points in franchise history.....only to be countered by a squad about to give up the most points in franchise history. Reid has to own at least some of this. I’m having trouble seeing how they stop the bleeding, but HFA and improving health would at least allow the defense some room for error you would think.

I’m trying to distance myself from Chiefs news all week. I’ll enjoy my time off work with family/friends and tune in next Sunday to see if there is a “gleam”.

[pugsnotdrugs19]

Originally Posted by FAX

I'm familiar with the pain, Mr. pugsnotdrugs19. I, too, have been laughed at and humiliated by donk fans and stooler fans and pats fans and fat girls and homeless people whilst wearing my Chiefs hat. Our playoff failures are legendary.

I knew we could have won last night and I know it now. In fact, I was surprised as hell that the offense got off to such a slow start. Shocked, really. I simply choose not to wallow in despair over a late-season road loss to a good team fighting for the playoffs while we're playing backups in practically every position of importance.

I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm not interested in succumbing to hopelessness when we've actually turned a big corner. I focus on the big picture. And my picture has Mahomes and Wally hoisting the Lombardi ... if not this year, very soon.

FAX

Here’s my mindset, and part of what makes this situation so frustrating.

As I pointed out in this thread earlier, the AFC is as winnable as ever. You can’t look at any one team and say, “yep, they’re Super Bowl winners for sure...”

Chiefs: awful defense
Patriots: not really good in any one area, bad defense
Texans: awful OL, lack of offensive weapons, inconsistent defense
Ravens: can they pass with any consistency?
Chargers: probably most complete team but they Charger’d it up Saturday
Colts: not talented enough yet on either side of the ball IMO
Titans: see Ravens

Also, I can see how guys like Watkins, Erving, and LDT could give the offense a major boost in some key areas.

But even with all that being said, and knowing Kansas City likely has HFA, a critical component to reaching the Super Bowl.... how can we trust Bob Sutton and this defense? We can’t, I don’t believe.

[rabblerouser]

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

Parody not equal to parity.

I wholeheartedly agree with this post, but I'm unable to contribute to the conversation in any meaningful way...