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The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to continue their dynasty, which dates back to 2020. Superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company were on the verge of completing an unprecedented three-peat, but the Philadelphia Eagles had different plans in Super Bowl 59. The franchise is still coming off its third straight AFC title and is one of the favorites this coming season. And the front office recently gave head coach Andy Reid some much-needed depth during this NFL Draft.
The Chiefs’ first pick, Josh Simmons, was a critical move for an offensive line decimated by the Eagles. Mahomes was sacked six times and never looked comfortable the whole evening. Simmons fits in perfectly at left tackle, and his versatility will help Kansas City’s offense in multiple facets. However, the organization had a late-round pick that much of the public was sleeping on. This addition could help resolve a trend starting to emerge with the Chiefs, which is pretty shocking, considering what initially established this franchise as the NFL’s latest dynasty.
To be fair to Kansas City, what usually extends a dynasty is a team’s ability to adapt. During the Tom Brady era, the New England Patriots initially relied on the strength of their defense. In the later years, Bill Belichick still put together solid units on that side of the field, but Brady and the offense gradually took a leap during this time and became a lot more explosive. Kansas City is going somewhat in the opposite direction, which is interesting since Patrick Mahomes is just 29. The Chiefs used to have a high-flying, innovative offense that ranked toward the top of the NFL in most offensive categories.
While the innovation is still there, this unit has gradually deteriorated over the past few years. Some of this is due to personnel changes, as it never helps to lose a player like Tyreek Hill, injuries, disappointing draft picks, and free agent signings. But this past season, the Chiefs averaged just 327.6 yards per game, which ranked 17th in the league, and just 22.6 points per game. On several occasions, the defense would keep the offense in the game, where Patrick Mahomes’ heroics would come into play, but still, this team needs to regain its original strength. And to do that, it’s time to adapt.
The running back position is starting to regain value in today’s NFL. Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry are both coming off all-time great seasons, and college sensation Ashton Jeanty was selected with the sixth overall pick. While tailback has not been the primary focus of Andy Reid’s offense in the Patrick Mahomes era, as shown in his Eagles’ tenure and during Kareem Hunt’s prime in Kansas City, the Chiefs’ head coach can thrive with a stable ground game. Former SMU standout Brashard Smith allows this roster to add to this facet of the offense.
The first-team All-ACC...
