Arrowhead Pride
In our “Let’s Argue” series, our Mark Gunnels considers the hot takes, wacky predictions and unpopular opinions of Kansas City Chiefs fans from all over the world.
I’ve been seeing a ton of this chatter like this in Chiefs Kingdom — and it truly bothers me.
Look… at 6-6, I understand things look bleak for Kansas City.
On Sunday night, the team may trot out three backup offensive linemen against the Houston Texans’ ferocious defensive front. Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ defense can’t get off the field on third down.
I get it: this is not a winning recipe.
You can call me delusional, but until a team led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes is mathematically out of playoff contention, I will never go along with losing games to improve draft position — especially in a season with this much parity.
The first goal is always to get into the tournament. There, anything can happen.
There’s a fine line here.
Do I want general manager Brett Veach — and the front office as a whole — to be more aggressive? Absolutely.
But in that same breath, I also think some things are just too risky.
Here’s one thing that wasn’t too risky: I would have traded for the New York Jets’ running back Breece Hall — even with his contract expiring after the season. He’s only 24, so I would have been willing to make a new deal to keep him around.
Bless Kareem Hunt’s heart, but he doesn’t have that burst any longer. Isiah Pacheco doesn’t seem to be the same, either.
This Chiefs’ offense desperately needs a running back with burst.
Things are not looking good on the offensive line. The team will be without left tackle Josh Simmons for at least a few games — and it’s looking like right tackle Jawaan Taylor won’t be available, either.
There’s one way to minimize Mahomes’ happy feet: running the football.
Will Andy Reid commit to it?
We shall see.
Despite the lack of explosion in their backfield, the Chiefs have found success running the ball — especially when running from under center.
But like Jarrod says, they won’t stay committed to it.
The only time they stayed with it was in their game against the Indianapolis Colts. Hunt carried the ball 30 times that day — and Kansas City won.
To come away with a much-needed win on Sunday night, the Chiefs may need another game like it.
