It’s been a challenging season for the Kansas City Chiefs. After years of dominating the league with their explosive offense, the team has struggled to find their footing in 2021. Fans are understandably frustrated, and many have pointed fingers at offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, who has failed to replicate the success of his predecessor, Eric Bieniemy.
One of the biggest issues for the Chiefs this season has been their running game. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes may be leading the team in rushing, but that’s not exactly a good thing. The lack of a consistent and effective ground game has put immense pressure on Mahomes and the passing attack, and it’s starting to show in the team’s stats.
According to recent statistics, the Chiefs have the fewest rushing yards per game in the entire NFL. This is a worrying trend for a team that is known for its high-powered offense. The running game is a crucial component of any successful offense, and the Chiefs’ inability to establish it has put them at a significant disadvantage.
So why has the Chiefs’ running game been struggling? There are a few factors at play here. One of the main issues has been injuries. Star running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has missed several games due to injury, and his absence has been felt on the field. His backup, Darrel Williams, has also been dealing with injuries, leaving the Chiefs with a depleted backfield.
But injuries aren’t the only reason for the Chiefs’ struggles on the ground. The offensive line has also been a weak spot for the team this season. They have struggled to open up holes for the running backs, and their pass protection has also been subpar. This has put even more pressure on Mahomes and the passing game, making it easier for opposing defenses to shut them down.
Another factor that cannot be ignored is the play-calling. Fans have been critical of Matt Nagy’s play-calling this season, and for good reason. He has failed to find the right balance between the run and pass game, and his lack of creativity has been evident. The Chiefs’ offense has become predictable and easy to defend, which has contributed to their struggles.
But despite these challenges, there is still hope for the Chiefs’ run game. As mentioned earlier, injuries have played a significant role in their struggles. With Edwards-Helaire and Williams hopefully returning to full health soon, the running game should see an improvement. The offensive line also has room for improvement, and the coaches will need to make some adjustments to get the most out of their players.
And let’s not forget, this is still the Kansas City Chiefs we’re talking about. They have one of the most talented and dynamic offenses in the league, led by the best quarterback in football, Patrick Mahomes. They have the ability to turn things around and make a run for the playoffs, as they have done in the past.
In conclusion, while the stats may be concerning, there is still plenty of time for the Chiefs to turn things around. It’s been a challenging season, but this team has shown time and time again that they have what it takes to overcome adversity. With a little bit of luck and some adjustments, the Chiefs’ run game could become a strength rather than a weakness. So let’s not lose hope just yet, and continue to support our team as they fight to reclaim their place as one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL.
