Arrowhead Pride
On question about keeping it light as a team and seeing how the cards fall: “I have a saying that says ‘make plays.’ Now, I have a saying that says ‘Have fun making plays.’ That’s our motto going down the stretch. We’re going to make plays, we know we’re going to make them, just have fun.”
– Special teams coordinator Dave Toub
NFL Week 15 Preview: Schedule, storylines, matchups to watch and betting spreads | PFF
Matchup to watch: Chargers’ pass rush vs. Chiefs T Esa Pole
The Chiefs lost tackle Wanya Morris (57.1 grade) to a knee injury on the first offensive play of the game in Week 13, and third-string tackle Esa Pole had to step in for his first career snaps. Pole played well enough, allowing three pressures and earning a 67.5 PFF pass-blocking grade against an excellent defense. But the rookie is still an unknown quantity, and that means the Chargers will likely look to test him with an array of pass rushers.
Chargers edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu (63.7 grade; 67th) leads the team with 56 pressures and 10 sacks, but Khalil Mack (76.9 grade; 24th) and Odafe Oweh (69.7 grade; 40th) can pressure off the edge as well. Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter could look to throw some stunts and blitzes to muddy the waters for Pole, and to get Mahomes uncomfortable in the pocket.
That, however, would run counter to much of the national narrative this week.
ESPN writer Ben Solak started his national column with this objective: “How to fix the Chiefs’ offense.” The Ringer’s Steven Ruiz declared in his own piece that “The Chiefs are breaking Patrick Mahomes.”
The Wall Street Journal took its turn Wednesday, headlining its season summary as “The Downfall of the Kansas City Chiefs.”
It’s often said, “To the victors go the spoils.” In this case, the victorious Chiefs of last season — who started 12-1 — also appear to be getting the benefit of the doubt over the 6-7 version that’s taken hold this year.
It’s not to say this Chiefs offense is without faults. The group also is not immune to criticism, especially given how the team hasn’t lived up to preseason expectations.
Still, through 13 games, the 2025 offense has at least one thing going its way, regardless of recent storylines:
It’s been a lot better than the 2024 version.
A statistical comparison (via TruMedia) shows it’s difficult to find an area where this year’s team isn’t better than last season’s. That includes the pass and run games, the percentage of scoring drives and the average distance per drive.
Chiefs LB Drue Tranquill on the defense’s issues in third and long | Chiefs Wire
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