Arrowhead Pride
Our Mark Gunnels takes on all your hot takes, wacky predictions and unpopular opinions.
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 entirely understand the deep-ball struggles from Patrick Mahomes over the last two seasons.
Last year’s Super Bowl victory wasn’t because Mahomes was beating defenses over the top. It’s been a slow, methodical, ball-control type of offense, which has worked.
In that same breath, general manager Brett Veach attempted to bring back the explosives by signing Hollywood Brown and drafting Xavier Worthy in the first round.
Unfortunately, the Chiefs haven’t seen Brown since preseason — and, for whatever reason, Mahomes and Worthy haven’t been able to connect on their shot plays except the one against the Los Angeles Chargers all the way back in Week 4.
While the deep passing game remains in flux, one thing that makes me believe it will get fixed is the fact they keep trying it. You can bank on them attempting at least one shot play to Worthy weekly.
Will Mahomes and Worthy connect this weekend in Orchard Park? Maybe, or maybe not.
Regardless, I fully believe it’s coming very, very soon.
I’m going to start this by saying how much I love that Kareem Hunt is back in Kansas City, and I want him to get a ring almost more than anything.
Having said that, I think the story has overshadowed what’s actually happening on the field.
In Hunt’s first three games this season, he averaged 4.0 yards per carry. In the last three, he’s only averaging 3.0 yards per carry.
With a lack of a viable second option, the Chiefs have leaned heavily on Hunt, and it’s clear to see he’s wearing down. This is why it’s so massive that Isiah Pachecho’s practice window has opened.
When Pacheco returns to the lineup, he’s still the clear top option. This isn’t to say Hunt doesn’t have a role because he absolutely will. It’s just that when you couple Pacheco’s ability for explosive runs and that he’s fresh, he should be the top guy when healthy.
I still want to see Hunt in short-yard or passing situations.
This has been overlooked because the Chiefs' defense remains one of the best units in the league. What if I told you the Chiefs have the fourth-lowest pressure rate in the NFL?
Well, it’s a fact.
The three teams behind them are the Falcons, Patriots and Panthers. The Chiefs are also near the bottom of the league in sacks. Out of their 19 sacks as a unit, five of them came from blitzes.
While I think both returns are important for...
