Winning formula lifts K.C. Strong defense delivers while offense grows
A 10-game winning streak to finish the 2015 regular season lifted the Kansas City Chiefs to their first playoff victory since the 1993 season. They demolished the Houston Texans 30-0 in the wildcard round, showing their blend of improved offense and strong defense. That combination is expected to carry over to this season.
When coach Andy Reid was asked about what led to the turnaround from a 1-5 start, he pointed to quarterback Alex Smith. Reid entrusted Smith with the offense, and Smith took over.
“I tell him he’s got the keys to the car,” Reid says. “He’s got ways in and out of plays, really every play, and I’ve got confidence that he can do it.”
Doug Pederson, then the offensive coordinator, worked his magic on Smith. One message he gave the quarterback was not to be afraid to tuck and run. With the team having trouble with pass protection, Smith notched a career-high 498 rushing yards.
“I’d rather have somebody that way, who is not going to turn the ball over, who is going to use his legs when he needs to run, who uses his brain all the time to get us out of bad situations,” said Pederson, who is now the Philadelphia Eagles head coach. “And if he manages the game that way and we win, then I’ll take that.”
This year, Smith has two new linemen to help protect him, but the offense is looking for a second receiver to emerge. The free agent class was weak at that position, so the Chiefs didn’t add any new weapons for Smith. However, if Kansas City wants to go toe-totoe with top-notch defenses such as the Denver Broncos’ and Cincinnati Bengals’, it needs a higherpowered offense. The defense remains strong, but it’s aging.
QUARTERBACK
Smith set career highs in yards passing (3,486) and rushing, had his highest passer rating (95.4) since 2012 and threw his most touchdown passes (20) since 2013. His giant step forward was a major part of the Chiefs’ winning streak. Reid likes to shape quarterbacks, and he drafted Kevin Hogan from Stanford in the fifth round to back up Smith.
RUNNING BACK
The Chiefs have four running backs who have started in the NFL, largely because Jamaal Charles has dealt with injuries