The Kansas City Chiefs reduced their offensive workload this week in an attempt to get Patrick Mahomes and company back on track.
According to sources, the Chiefs have pared down their typical game plan from head coach Andy Reid’s enormous playbook for today’s game against the Bengals, which means fewer plays, fewer personnel packages, and, most likely, fewer players seeing action.
The idea is to focus on what Mahomes and Co. do best, spending less time shuttling players on and off the field, and allowing everyone to play faster.
The Chiefs rank ninth in total yards and 11th in scoring — fine numbers for many offenses, but a dramatic dip for a team that led the NFL in both categories last season on the way toward Mahomes’ second AP NFL MVP award and another Super Bowl win.
Kansas City’s defense has emerged as its strength, ranking second in yards and scoring allowed, which bodes well for the Chiefs’ chances of making a playoff run if the offense can’t find its old form.
Despite losing four out of six games since the bye, including an ugly defeat last week at the hands of the division rival Raiders, the Chiefs (9-6) can lock up the AFC West today with a win or tie against the Bengals, or a loss or tie by both Las Vegas and Denver.