They say that everything starts anew on New Year’s Day. The Kansas City Chiefs, currently the proud owners of the two-seed in the AFC Playoffs are coming off a fourth-straight win but things feel a little…off. Despite the shiny 13-3 record (currently tied for best in the NFL), the Chiefs have some work to do if they hope to hoist the Lombardi Trophy this February.
It’s never a bad idea to have a New Year’s resolution in hopes of bettering yourself for the upcoming year. For the Kansas City Chiefs, the new year starts now as the regular season has dwindled down to one final game before the playoffs start.
4 New Year’s resolutions for the Chiefs
- A commitment to the running game. I know, that sounds like a tall order for Andy Reid. KC ran the ball for just 46 yards in Sunday’s win over Denver. This offense is built to throw but committing to Pacheco and McKinnon on the ground could be the difference in a deep playoff run and a quick exit. Pacheco has rushed for 766 yards on the year and has proven he can be trusted in pivotal situations. Jerrick McKinnon has become (outside of Kelce) Mahomes’ most important targets in the passing game.
- Turnovers be gone. As a team, KC ranks 26th in the league in turnover differential at -5. That means the Chiefs love to give it away but are not good at getting it back. That does not bode well. The offense has turned the ball over at least once in 10 of its last 11 games. That either comes to an end or the Chiefs season will come to an end sooner than later.
- Joshua Williams snaps must be limited. Of the three rookie corners that play significant snaps for the Chiefs, Joshua Williams seems to be the one struggling the most. He has struggled with technique, communication, body control and penalties all season long. Williams is a third-down penalty machine and KC cannot afford to have drives extended in the playoffs at such an alarming clip.
- Special teams woes must end. The Chiefs special teams have been the least “special” part of this team in 2022. From four fumbled punts so far to missed field goals, bad holds, it’s been an overall disaster for Dave Toub. You’ve got to find someone that can stand there and merely fair catch a punt. Kadarius Toney seemed like an answer but has already failed a major test. You also have Harrison Butker in the midst of the worst season of his career. Sunday, punter Tommy Townsend botched a hold meanwhile, his abilities have been called into question by former punter Dustin Colquitt. FIGURE IT OUT!
