Legitimately, is there a place for Dan Sorenson to succeed on this team other than special teams? I miss the trick or treat Dan of old, but it is laughable to watch him play where his is put now.
I haven't been on a "defend Dan" train or anything, but I think he was supposed to switch with maybe Fenton at the LOS pre-snap on the touchdown and when they didn't get that done, he was out of position and OF COURSE he missed the tackle. The Pack quick snapped them too (a great move when you see 49 across from a WR).
I don't know that there is at this point, especially given that they want him to be able to execute man coverage looks (sort of a necessity given how often they blitz).
He can maybe still handle some zone drop assignments, but even that's been much more spotty with him this year. I honestly have zero clue why they aren't trying out Watts.
Why do you believe that the Chiefs struggle to bring in free agents? We saw that Andy reached out to OBJ and he was just the latest to choose to go elsewhere
I'm not sure they do other than this year, specifically. And those were all some pretty unique circumstances. It's not that long ago that we were worried that they were splurging too much. And frankly, I'd bet you good money that Trent Williams is regretting his decision.
I think with Williams, JuJu, and OBJ you just had a set of circumstances that are somewhat unusual (Williams wanted to be in SF, JuJu wanted to be in PIT, and OBJ is a dude who seems like LA is where he wants to be IMO).
It's definitely a bummer, but in previous years they've landed guys so I'm willing to see how this offseason goes.
Plus, they just signed Gordon and haven't figured out how to use him yet. That can't be attractive for another receiver who wants to make a splash and get another contract. It is famously hard to walk in and succeed at WR in Reid's offense, and OBJ didn't have the time to learn.
I’m curious how you’re currently seeing the Chiefs usage of Josh Gordon, and if you see that translating to any significant production later this season from the WR?
Been a long-time fan Seth! Thanks for the excellent film review and coverage of the Chiefs.
Thanks Brett! I haven't seen a specific pattern in his usage that leads me one way or another, but he looked a step slow live on Sunday. Now, he can make up for that with savvy and hands, but he hasn't done much to earn trust yet. I'd like to see them make a concerted effort to target him multiple times in a game just to see if he can respond.
Is Mitch Schwartz done? He's taking on a lot of pundit gigs, but do you think he's planning to keep playing somewhere? We could use another right tackle, right?
I think he's done. He's clearly underweight (for an NFL player, not a regular dude) and seems quite content doing an awesome job with analysis. If I were a friend of his, I'd tell him to go enjoy life while your body still allows you to.
It varies based on the opponent and alignment. Not all boxes are created equal, nor all players.
But let's say, for example, they just hammered a team with it and were averaging 6-7 yards a carry (without many negative or stopped at the LOS plays). Frankly, I'd do it until they stopped it or adjusted schematically.
I have noticed a couple of different things about the Chiefs offense compared to last year:
No option plays attacking the perimeter - we pretty famously got rid of QB sneaks after the 2019 Denver game. Did the Cleveland Clothesline remove the option from the playbook forever? (I am trademarking that name.)
There was a lot of talk in prior years about Mahomes' ability to move defenders with his eyes, but not this year. Have defenders adjusted?
Watching the games, it feels like the offensive line is doing well, and they seem to be highly graded (I think it was PFF that had them in the top five). But then I also read or heard somewhere that Mahomes has had about .3 seconds less per dropback this season than last season before pressure arrives. Which doesn't sound like much but is something like a 10-15% difference, which is enormous. Which is a large preamble to a simple question - how good is the offensive line midway through?
Heh, I like "Cleveland Clothesline," and I think that may be part of it. Another part may be the fact that CEH has been out and they liked those looks to him. That said, I'm guessing the primary component is Mahomes' safety.
I wouldn't say I've noticed anything significantly different with defenders at the second level, though the way they're often sitting back in zone with extra guys may make them more inclined to hold still and not get moved.
Finally, I think the OL has been solid. The interior is excellent, Brown has been good overall, and the RT position has been mostly passable at the least. The ceiling is quite high for it. I haven't noticed Mahomes getting hurried more than previous years, and frankly most games it's been less than last year by a fair margin.
With RB, absolutely barring CEH staying healthy. He's getting a lot of (IMO) underserved flack for the coaching staff's decision to not utilize a skillset he's demonstrated clearly in the pros as a receiver and as a runner (gap/power), and was also a victim to the fact that they were trying to run stretch/zone stuff with him in when the line clearly wasn't a fit for it. They've shifted more to gap/power, and the run game has looked better, but people are assuming it's due to the RB's. In my opinion had CEH been on the field vs GB they would've put up more points given how Williams and McKinnon weren't able to finish on some plays.
Do you think CEH returning will mean more runs as you suggested previously? Or, will it remain as-is, while the offense continues to figure things out?
haha thanks Scot! I think it's been a struggle. Teams are playing Kelce and Hill very aggressively and giving tons of chances to the other guys, and they've all been subpar. Even Robinson, who in past years was able to take advantage of those situations, hasn't done much.
I don't think they need another star or anything, they just need an average NFL route runner and guy they can rely on.
I've answered that elsewhere here, but the short answer is that he looks a little slow on his routes to me. That can be compensated for with knowledge of the system in route running, but we haven't seen that yet.
Many in the media are calling for Mahomes to "return to the basics" and "get back to what makes you special". Aren't those two statements fundamentally counter to each other? Mahomes has a lot of great qualities on the field, but what makes him "special" or "great" is what he is capable of when things are not "basic".
LOL, you're absolutely right those are contradictory.
For me, the getting back on track happened vs GB, and we'll see against LV if it keeps it. It was a matter of trusting the pocket more and making quicker throws when they were there, and he did that all game. Now it'll be a matter of everyone else executing, assuming he continues to play the same way, and for him to get back to being comfortable enough to get a little crazy every now and then as well.
I don't have a specific target in mind, though I'd love to see Allen Robinson in KC (pipe dream). His skillset is perfect for what they need. Basically, though, the list could be quite substantive and should just involve guys who are comfortable against press man and can take advantage of 1x1 matchups.
If the other safeties on the roster can’t beat out Sorensen for playing time, (acknowledging his snaps have been decreasing, but still) why are they still on the roster? I can’t imagine watts is actually worse than what they’re getting now. Is it stubbornness from the coaches? Or is everyone else just that bad?
I think it's stubbornness/loyalty with Sorensen. His dropoff (or other teams realizing his vulnerabilities) seems to have taken them by surprise, which is obviously bad. But really, they've trusted him over other, more athletic players for years. I can't imagine Watts is as bad as Sorensen in coverage.
Will the recent resurgence of Frank Clark--if continued--change the Chiefs' plans regarding him (and his contract) going forward for the next one (or two) years?
What do you think they will do regarding him and what do you think they should do?
I don't see any way he's under that same contract next year if he's back. It has a cap hit of over $26 million, and they can save a little over $12 million moving on even without a June 1st designation. That's a big chunk of change.
Now, if he continues to play well perhaps they can have a conversation about a restructure, but it would have to be a true "cut" that made his cap hit reasonable. And even that's dicey, considering the health issues that have plagued him.
I was disappointed that Gore didn't get more playing time against the Packers; I kinda feel like he might be the best option for RB currently on the Chiefs roster. Is there anything you've seen to either back that up or refute it?
I think he's a better option (MAYBE) than Williams and McKinnon, though I'd need to see how he looks in pass pro and as a receiver to know much more. His snaps have been limited there. I do think he made a few mental errors vs GB that demonstrated how green he is.
I don't think he's as good as CEH in terms of lateral agility or polish. I think he benefitted from being allowed to run behind a line that was actually being allowed to block in a way they can execute.
Legitimately, is there a place for Dan Sorenson to succeed on this team other than special teams? I miss the trick or treat Dan of old, but it is laughable to watch him play where his is put now.
I haven't been on a "defend Dan" train or anything, but I think he was supposed to switch with maybe Fenton at the LOS pre-snap on the touchdown and when they didn't get that done, he was out of position and OF COURSE he missed the tackle. The Pack quick snapped them too (a great move when you see 49 across from a WR).
I don't know that there is at this point, especially given that they want him to be able to execute man coverage looks (sort of a necessity given how often they blitz).
He can maybe still handle some zone drop assignments, but even that's been much more spotty with him this year. I honestly have zero clue why they aren't trying out Watts.
Why do you believe that the Chiefs struggle to bring in free agents? We saw that Andy reached out to OBJ and he was just the latest to choose to go elsewhere
I'm not sure they do other than this year, specifically. And those were all some pretty unique circumstances. It's not that long ago that we were worried that they were splurging too much. And frankly, I'd bet you good money that Trent Williams is regretting his decision.
I think with Williams, JuJu, and OBJ you just had a set of circumstances that are somewhat unusual (Williams wanted to be in SF, JuJu wanted to be in PIT, and OBJ is a dude who seems like LA is where he wants to be IMO).
It's definitely a bummer, but in previous years they've landed guys so I'm willing to see how this offseason goes.
That’s a good point. Can’t worry too much if it’s just one year
Plus, they just signed Gordon and haven't figured out how to use him yet. That can't be attractive for another receiver who wants to make a splash and get another contract. It is famously hard to walk in and succeed at WR in Reid's offense, and OBJ didn't have the time to learn.
I think that absolutely factored in for OBJ. A fear that they wouldn't be able to incorporate him for weeks.
I’m curious how you’re currently seeing the Chiefs usage of Josh Gordon, and if you see that translating to any significant production later this season from the WR?
Been a long-time fan Seth! Thanks for the excellent film review and coverage of the Chiefs.
Thanks Brett! I haven't seen a specific pattern in his usage that leads me one way or another, but he looked a step slow live on Sunday. Now, he can make up for that with savvy and hands, but he hasn't done much to earn trust yet. I'd like to see them make a concerted effort to target him multiple times in a game just to see if he can respond.
Is Mitch Schwartz done? He's taking on a lot of pundit gigs, but do you think he's planning to keep playing somewhere? We could use another right tackle, right?
I think he's done. He's clearly underweight (for an NFL player, not a regular dude) and seems quite content doing an awesome job with analysis. If I were a friend of his, I'd tell him to go enjoy life while your body still allows you to.
If boxes remain light, how often would you run the ball on 1st down?
It varies based on the opponent and alignment. Not all boxes are created equal, nor all players.
But let's say, for example, they just hammered a team with it and were averaging 6-7 yards a carry (without many negative or stopped at the LOS plays). Frankly, I'd do it until they stopped it or adjusted schematically.
I have noticed a couple of different things about the Chiefs offense compared to last year:
No option plays attacking the perimeter - we pretty famously got rid of QB sneaks after the 2019 Denver game. Did the Cleveland Clothesline remove the option from the playbook forever? (I am trademarking that name.)
There was a lot of talk in prior years about Mahomes' ability to move defenders with his eyes, but not this year. Have defenders adjusted?
Watching the games, it feels like the offensive line is doing well, and they seem to be highly graded (I think it was PFF that had them in the top five). But then I also read or heard somewhere that Mahomes has had about .3 seconds less per dropback this season than last season before pressure arrives. Which doesn't sound like much but is something like a 10-15% difference, which is enormous. Which is a large preamble to a simple question - how good is the offensive line midway through?
Heh, I like "Cleveland Clothesline," and I think that may be part of it. Another part may be the fact that CEH has been out and they liked those looks to him. That said, I'm guessing the primary component is Mahomes' safety.
I wouldn't say I've noticed anything significantly different with defenders at the second level, though the way they're often sitting back in zone with extra guys may make them more inclined to hold still and not get moved.
Finally, I think the OL has been solid. The interior is excellent, Brown has been good overall, and the RT position has been mostly passable at the least. The ceiling is quite high for it. I haven't noticed Mahomes getting hurried more than previous years, and frankly most games it's been less than last year by a fair margin.
Do you think next season's starting RB and WR#2 will be players who are currently on the Chiefs roster?
With RB, absolutely barring CEH staying healthy. He's getting a lot of (IMO) underserved flack for the coaching staff's decision to not utilize a skillset he's demonstrated clearly in the pros as a receiver and as a runner (gap/power), and was also a victim to the fact that they were trying to run stretch/zone stuff with him in when the line clearly wasn't a fit for it. They've shifted more to gap/power, and the run game has looked better, but people are assuming it's due to the RB's. In my opinion had CEH been on the field vs GB they would've put up more points given how Williams and McKinnon weren't able to finish on some plays.
With WR2, I highly doubt it barring Gordon coming on late.
Do you think CEH returning will mean more runs as you suggested previously? Or, will it remain as-is, while the offense continues to figure things out?
I think it'll remain as-is, but hopefully with even more success when they utilize it.
"How bad have the Chiefs been missing Sammy Watkins? We need a legit #3." from Twitter :)
haha thanks Scot! I think it's been a struggle. Teams are playing Kelce and Hill very aggressively and giving tons of chances to the other guys, and they've all been subpar. Even Robinson, who in past years was able to take advantage of those situations, hasn't done much.
I don't think they need another star or anything, they just need an average NFL route runner and guy they can rely on.
Can Gordon be that? If so, why not yet?
I've answered that elsewhere here, but the short answer is that he looks a little slow on his routes to me. That can be compensated for with knowledge of the system in route running, but we haven't seen that yet.
Does Veach pick a player in the first round this year, or does he trade it again? Either way, what position does he use it for?
I think defensive end regardless, and I'm guessing they use the pick.
Many in the media are calling for Mahomes to "return to the basics" and "get back to what makes you special". Aren't those two statements fundamentally counter to each other? Mahomes has a lot of great qualities on the field, but what makes him "special" or "great" is what he is capable of when things are not "basic".
So what can Mahomes do to "get back on track"?
LOL, you're absolutely right those are contradictory.
For me, the getting back on track happened vs GB, and we'll see against LV if it keeps it. It was a matter of trusting the pocket more and making quicker throws when they were there, and he did that all game. Now it'll be a matter of everyone else executing, assuming he continues to play the same way, and for him to get back to being comfortable enough to get a little crazy every now and then as well.
What will become of the Chiefs WR2 position? Draft? FA? Barring any sort of jump out of anyone rn, there aren’t any in house answers.
I'd guess the draft if they don't go DE early. I'd grab a couple of guys if I were them.
Do the chiefs address WR through the draft or free agency this year? And if it's free agency, who would you like to see them target?
I don't have a specific target in mind, though I'd love to see Allen Robinson in KC (pipe dream). His skillset is perfect for what they need. Basically, though, the list could be quite substantive and should just involve guys who are comfortable against press man and can take advantage of 1x1 matchups.
If the other safeties on the roster can’t beat out Sorensen for playing time, (acknowledging his snaps have been decreasing, but still) why are they still on the roster? I can’t imagine watts is actually worse than what they’re getting now. Is it stubbornness from the coaches? Or is everyone else just that bad?
I think it's stubbornness/loyalty with Sorensen. His dropoff (or other teams realizing his vulnerabilities) seems to have taken them by surprise, which is obviously bad. But really, they've trusted him over other, more athletic players for years. I can't imagine Watts is as bad as Sorensen in coverage.
Will the recent resurgence of Frank Clark--if continued--change the Chiefs' plans regarding him (and his contract) going forward for the next one (or two) years?
What do you think they will do regarding him and what do you think they should do?
I don't see any way he's under that same contract next year if he's back. It has a cap hit of over $26 million, and they can save a little over $12 million moving on even without a June 1st designation. That's a big chunk of change.
Now, if he continues to play well perhaps they can have a conversation about a restructure, but it would have to be a true "cut" that made his cap hit reasonable. And even that's dicey, considering the health issues that have plagued him.
I was disappointed that Gore didn't get more playing time against the Packers; I kinda feel like he might be the best option for RB currently on the Chiefs roster. Is there anything you've seen to either back that up or refute it?
I think he's a better option (MAYBE) than Williams and McKinnon, though I'd need to see how he looks in pass pro and as a receiver to know much more. His snaps have been limited there. I do think he made a few mental errors vs GB that demonstrated how green he is.
I don't think he's as good as CEH in terms of lateral agility or polish. I think he benefitted from being allowed to run behind a line that was actually being allowed to block in a way they can execute.