The Chiefs Need More Than Just A Mahomes Offense

There will be plenty said about Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading into and beyond Super Bowl LVII. He and tight end Travis Kelce have done plenty in their six seasons together to assure that.

But to think that the only battle in the big game that matters is these two superstars, Clyde Edwards-Helaire (who was activated from the IR on Monday), and the Philadelphia Eagles’ ability to stop them is folly. The Chiefs’ defensive tackle Chris Jones was good for 15.5 sacks so far on the year including two against the Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow in the AFC Championship game.

The pressure Jones and the defensive front brought also was a factor in Burrow’s two interceptions in that same contest, but each of the interceptions were hauled in by Kansas City rookies, Joshua Williams and Jaylon Watson. Making an impact early in the season and their careers is something that seems to have been overlooked in the national conversation, and understandably so with Mahomes’s historical career success.

Watson is a 7th round pick out of Washington State University and has started in six games while Williams as a 4th rounder from Fayetteville State has started four.

But another reason it might not be getting as much shine is the fact that it’s just business as usual through the eyes of the players within the organization. “This team’s always been the next man up since training camp,” said Watson. “We feel like we work the hardest in the offseason. This is what [head] coach [Andy] Reid prepares us for, this is what Kansas City drafted us for and we’re all ready.”

Reid in return cited Watson and Williams’ ability to grow by being “willing guys to try things” in games after learning it in practice as a key personality component in what leads to an immediate impact from young players.

Considering the balance that quarterback Jalen Hurts brings to the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense, stopping them will certainly be a challenge in its own right. Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis wouldn’t go as far as to say that Philly’s offense was the most complete they’ve seen all season, but he still showed respect all the same. “They’re a phenomenal offense — they can do it all. We’re definitely going to have our hands full.”

Karlaftis as a first round overall pick from Purdue has started all of the Chiefs’ games while accruing six sacks. He will be uniquely challenged by Philadelphia’s attack.

 

For all the different ways the Eagles move the ball, aided by an elite offensive line, Kansas City will need to do more than just move the ball to raise the Lombardi trophy for Super Bowl LVII. They will need be more than just a Mahomes offense and keep Philly points from getting on the board.

Kyle Nash

Kyle is from Orlando, Florida

View All Posts

Leave a Reply