KC’s New Offense Impresses Week 1

by JH34_1 | 4 years ago | 0 Comments

The Chiefs weren't sure what their new offense would do against one of last year's best teams in the Jacksonville Jaguars and after losing their #1 running back on the first play of the game panic could have easily set in. Fortunately, Ty Chandler took full advantage of his unexpected opportunity and rushed for 149 yards and 2 TDs. Chandler's efforts made it easier for the play calling to remain balanced with 32 runs to 30 passes. The balanced attack kept the Jaguars defense guessing all game long. 

Maybe a bigger surprise was the Kansas City defense. The Jags were one of the best offensive teams in 2020. Salary cap cuts seemingly weakened the defense in the off-season and undoubtedly SFL AFC QB of the Year Gardner Minshew was looking forward to getting back on the field after his PED suspension in the playoffs. With an entire previous season of film to review Minshew may not sneak up on as many teams this year. The Chief's defense frustrated the Jags high-powered offense all day. Chark and Minshew did connect on a 54 yard TD in the 3rd quarter but that would be the only catch for Chark.  Jacksonville drops and KC pass break-ups left Minshew below 50% for the game. The Jags only managed to convert 17% of their 3rd downs compared to 73% for the Chiefs. Jacksonville came into the game hoping to get a running game on track with two rookie rushers but they only managed 52 yards on 10 carries. The score kept the Jags from calling more runs and with Minshew and his WRs struggling in the rainy conditions, they were unable to keep pace with the Chiefs balanced attack. 

The anticipated matchup between Tyreek Hill and the Jaguars superstar cornerback CJ Henderson went to Hill despite some pre-game Twitter bravado from Henderson. Hill led all receivers with 6 catches for 153 yards and a TD.  Henderson missed on a chuck attempt in the red zone that made for an easy throw for Mahomes to Hill for the 18 yard TD. The Jags never recovered.

It wasn't all roses for KC though.  Long-time and reliable kicker Harrison Butker was a salary cap casualty.  Left-footed Giorgio Tavecchio took over kicking responsibilities but was 1-3 on FG tries including a chip shot 20 yard miss.  The weather conditions may have played a part but Coach DeBerg said that stat line will not be tolerated long in KC.  
 

Next up is the 1-0 Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati.