This game didn’t start off the way that the Kansas City Chiefs had hoped, but they’ll get some time to adjust their approach during the half. So far, there has been little consistency and urgency throughout. On the defensive side of the ball, the Los Angeles Chargers have been moving the ball with relative ease. On the few times when they have had an opportunity to get the ball, the offense has been unable to get much going. Thankfully, the Chiefs are somehow only losing by three points (10-7).
Buy Chiefs TicketsHere are a few quick takeaways from the first half of play:
Let Patrick Mahomes do his thing on offense
The early offensive game plan for Kansas City was very flat. They came out with some methodical plays to move the ball down the field in the run game, but a poor play call on third-and-short caused a punt. On the next drive, there was a sack of Mahomes that got the team behind the chains. There was really just no consistency on a play-to-play or drive-to-drive basis.
The third offensive drive for the Chiefs resembled what we’re used to. Specifically, it featured more of the passing game and less running the ball.
🚨 SIDEARM TOUCHDOWN 🚨@PatrickMahomes x @JetMckinnon1 pic.twitter.com/aP0TdtmSxE
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 16, 2022
Whatever halftime adjustments that the Chiefs make, it needs to include dialing up some more passing plays and letting Mahomes go out there and do his thing. Maybe a little more of Isiah Pacheco in pass protection too.
Chiefs' defensive coverage plan isn't working in the slightest
I figured that Steve Spagnuolo would get aggressive and leave some guys on an island against Mike Williams on certain downs, but he’s been eating up single coverage practically every time he gets it. The only corner who had any sort of success against him in single coverage was rookie CB Jaylen Watson.
In the first quarter alone, the Chiefs allowed five receptions for 76 yards to Williams. Most of that came on a 39-yard reception against Rashad Fenton, where he was called for both holding and pass interference on the same play. If Spags wants the bleeding to stop, he needs to bracket Williams in coverage, especially on key downs.
No matter what, do something to get the crowd into the game
The crowd of 73,000 in Arrowhead Stadium was raucous and energetic ahead of the game after being let into the gates an hour earlier than planned. The early goings of the game saw very little go right for Kansas City. The Chargers’ defense forced a punt and then a quick 3-and-out. All of the sudden, the Chiefs were down 10-0 and had nothing going for them.
Thankfully, the offense orchestrated a drive and scored, but that’s not when you need the crowd to be its loudest. You need the crowd to get loud and into the game when the defense is on the field. The energy hasn’t been right when the defense is on the field. They’re getting very little pressure on Herbert. The cornerbacks are struggling against Williams. There needs to be a big play on the defensive side of the ball to get the crowd back into this game otherwise things could get strange at Arrowhead Stadium. A sack or turnover would go a long way toward getting the crowd back into it.
