Patrick Mahomes’ Red Zone ‘Chemistry’ Raises Questions as Kansas City Chiefs’ WR Problems Refuse to Boil Over

Patrick Mahomes is determined to bounce back! The evidence of this was clear as the Kansas City Chiefs QB sat down for a pre-game press conference. Before the December 10 game, Mahomes was asked what kind of strategies he is bringing to “accelerate the pace of chemistry with his teammates.” The 28-year-old QB couldn’t help but express faith in his squad.

He said, “You just come to work and try to get better. That’s all you can do. I think the guys have done a great job of trying to do that.” Further, the reigning MVP continued, “We’re going to continue to get better.” This was his way of mentioning that the Chiefs have areas to improve upon, particularly in executing plays in the red zone.

He emphasized the importance of paying attention to the little details, as these can make the difference between winning and losing in the league. However, this outlook of “doing well” in the red zones has turned the eyes toward the offense of the Red Army. The wide receiver problem is a major challenge the Chiefs are facing currently.

Despite having 7 wide receivers on the roster, the unit lacks any standout players, and that’s a big reason why the offense has been inconsistent. However, Mahomes restrained from commenting about the WRs and their productivity level. For the QB, the key to winning is executing the small details, especially in situations when the outcome is determined by one score.

While this perspective takes on an optimistic front, it is salient to note that in the game against the Green Bay Packers, Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco alone led the game with 108 rushing yards and scored a touchdown. This itself highlights the fact that how badly the Chiefs require a star receiver on their side. This shortcoming might cost the Chiefs their chances to enter the playoffs as the leaderboard toppers.

Kansas City Chiefs and their playoff chances

After a disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Kansas City Chiefs dropped from the second seed to the third seed in the AFC playoff picture. Currently, the team has a 99 percent chance of making it to the playoffs, a 96 percent for winning the AFC West, a 24% chance of earning a bye, and a 9% chance of winning the Super Bowl, as per the reports.

Moreover, this season the team has a total of 1319 rushing yards, with 106.5 yards per game, as compared to last year’s total of 1970 yards and 417 per game. The issue persists with the offense of the men in red, especially the wide receiver position. As a matter of fact, due to this, the team might face obstacles in the AFC playoff eligibility. But all chances are not lost yet!

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Next in line for the Chiefs is their showdown against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. This is something they will look to capitalize on as the 2023 NFL season still has five weeks left. Additionally, the Chiefs will face Bill Belichick’s team in Foxborough, have two consecutive home games against the Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals, and conclude the season with an away game against the Los Angeles Chargers once again.

Consequently, the Chiefs need every win to secure a playoff spot. The Dolphins and the Ravens are seen as strong contenders in the AFC. On the other hand, in the NFC division, the 49ers have the best chance to make it through the playoffs.

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