KC Chiefs vs. NY Giants: For struggling Kansas City, maybe it’s time for a new approach
Perhaps it’s time for the Chiefs to play small-ball.
Embrace the running game, throw short passes, chew clock — something of an old-school style, and clearly not the preferred approach when Patrick Mahomes is your superstar starting quarterback.
Drastic times call for drastic measures, but the Chiefs aren’t exactly built for this kind of ground offensive. But adjustments must be considered after last week’s alarming 27-3 loss at the Tennessee Titans dropped KC’s record to a stinging of 3-4.
It would require patience, good decision-making and better ball security. The Chiefs lead the NFL in giveaways with 17, five more than the next-most careless team.
But defenses have been giving the Chiefs this opportunity. They’re playing safeties deep and not blitzing. Linebackers are cheating against the pass. These things could create a numbers advantage for the Chiefs in their passing lanes.
The Chiefs have moved somewhat in this direction already. They rank 14th in rushing, and they haven’t finished a season ranked higher than 16th since Mahomes became their starting QB in 2018. Their average per carry of 5 yards is also a high-water mark, even with starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire continuing to miss games with a knee injury.
At the very least, running the ball more should make opposing defenses adjust to the Chiefs.
Here’s how Monday’s game against the New York Giants could play out
When the Chiefs pass
In terms of scoring, Mahomes is coming off the least-productive game of his otherwise electrifying career. Before last week, the fewest points a Mahomes-led Chiefs offense had scored in a regular-season game was 13 (in a 2019 loss to the Colts). The Giants are coming off their best game against the pass, having held the Panthers to 117 yards and recording six sacks. But lightning can’t strike twice ... can it?
Edge: Chiefs
When the Chiefs run
Here’s something we’d like to see from the Chiefs’ running game: a back gets to the second level, makes a solid cut and turns in a big gain. The longest run by a Chiefs running back this season is 17 yards. Darrel Williams’ longest in 52 attempts is 11 yards. There’s opportunity here for the Chiefs: The Giants rank 24th against the run.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Giants pass
Did you see Daniel Jones’ one-handed catch on the Philly Special last week? That was impressive, and so was his ability to hang onto the ball after taking a big hit. Jones wasn’t bad throwing the ball against the Panthers either, passing for 203 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. He also didn’t have Kadarius Toney, who turned in a 189-yard effort against the Cowboys. He was sidelined, as were Kenny Golladay and Sterling Shepard, all because of injuries. Each could be back for Monday’s game.
Edge: Giants
When the Giants run
The Giants could also get Saquon Barkley back in time for Monday’s game. He has been out since injuring his ankle on Oct. 10 against Dallas. Former Broncos running back Devontae Booker has started the Giants’ previous two games and capped the scoring against the Panthers with a 19-yard run. The Chiefs held Derrick Henry under 100 yards last week, but Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill took advantage and had a big game of his own.
Edge: Giants
Coaching/special teams/intangibles
Last week’s effort may have marked the most ill-prepared Chiefs team that Andy Reid has fielded in years, and that goes for both sides of the ball. ... In the last month, the Chiefs have followed a loss with a victory over an NFC East team. They’d like to do so again. ... The Chiefs have not posted a win at Arrowhead since opening day. It’s time for that advantage to return.
Edge: Chiefs