No one expected the Kansas City Chiefs to struggle during the first five games of the 2021 season.
Their loyal fans banked on the fact that Patrick Mahomes never lost a September game throughout his career.
But that streak is over after dropping consecutive games to the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Yet come to think of it, they could start the season at 0-3 if not for a Cleveland Browns botched punt.
Time to right the ship. pic.twitter.com/2uSWrJC2Mm
— Arrowhead Pride (@ArrowheadPride) October 15, 2021
Their offensive line needs work because Patrick Mahomes is still running for his life.
Likewise, their defense gave away 29 points to the Browns and 30 points to the Philadelphia Eagles during their two wins.
Chris Jones, Frank Clark, and the rest of the Chiefs defensive front seven had the league-worst seven sacks through Week 5.
Opposing quarterbacks also had much success against the Kansas City secondary.
For all the trouble they are experiencing, the Chiefs can still gain an even 3-3 record by defeating the Washington Football Team.
New week. Let's work. 😤 pic.twitter.com/36yWNq6V3Q
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 14, 2021
However, Ron Rivera’s crew will get an emotional boost from Sean Taylor’s jersey retirement ceremony.
Washington has a solid offensive unit with Taylor Heinicke, Terry McLaurin, and Antonio Gibson.
Therefore, this game is not a walk in the park for the Chiefs.
If they lose, here’s what NFL fans will say about the Andy Reid-coached team.
3. Patrick Mahomes Is Regressing
Legendary boxer “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler once said, “It’s tough to get out of bed and do roadwork at 5 AM when you’ve been sleeping in silk pajamas.”
In some ways, this quote applies to NFL players who are not the same players anymore after getting a huge contract.
Ezekiel Elliott comes to mind before his resurgence this season.
Therefore, could it be that Mahomes took his foot off the gas pedal after getting a ten-year, $450 million deal?
So the #NFL supposed to have Lamar Jackson figured out but it looks like they have Patrick Mahomes figured out. pic.twitter.com/Jonbfo9xhj
— R. Ridley (@i_am_shehateme) October 11, 2021
Is he unmotivated because he already won a Super Bowl and a league MVP?
This argument would be believable if there were a significant drop in his production.
However, he is seventh in passing yards with 1,490 and second in touchdowns with 16 through five weeks.
He also ranks eighth in passing accuracy with a 69.2 percent completion percentage.
Josh Allen outplayed Patrick Mahomes in Arrowhead on prime time. It’s that simple.
— Brendan Keany (@BrendanKeany) October 11, 2021
Unfortunately, the problem lies with their offensive line.
The seven sacks that the Chiefs offensive line surrendered did not reflect the countless times Mahomes ran for his life.
He continues to grind despite the accolades he received in his young career.
Besides, his mega-deal starts next season.
2. It’s Time To Fire Andy Reid
Some people would claim that Reid does not motivate the Chiefs anymore.
Likewise, they might argue that he’s not in the proper physical condition to coach, especially after being rushed to the hospital after one of their games.
Those who will overreact after a Chiefs loss to Washington will say that the game went past Reid, and it’s time for a change in Kansas City.
BREAKING: Leaked emails from Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, reveal more than 10,000 DoorDash receipts. pic.twitter.com/tkEStxJ522
— TPS (@TotalProSports) October 15, 2021
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can become an interim head coach because he’s the one calling the plays anyway.
But it’s not that the Chiefs will be missing the playoffs, at least not yet.
If they do, Reid’s seat will get hotter
However, they still have 11 games remaining after Washington, giving them plenty of time to regroup.
1. Their Championship Window Is Over
They were not even the best team in their division when experts predicted that they would easily win the AFC West.
The Chiefs lost to the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills, two of the AFC’s premier teams.
Yes, their defense needs massive upgrades, but their offense remains dangerous.
It’s a game of adjustments. And once again we’ll see how Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes adjust to teams trying anything and everything to stop them. My report on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/ABqanA2yTd
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) October 15, 2021
Give them enough time to execute their plays, and they can put up enough points on the board.
It’s not yet time to count them out of the Super Bowl race.
After all, the best teams find ways to refocus after much adversity.
NEXT: Why Chiefs Fans Still Cannot Panic At 2-3
