The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs have emerged as one of many best dynasties ever assembled. They discover themselves getting ready to immortality with an opportunity to grow to be the primary franchise in NFL historical past to win three consecutive Tremendous Bowls.
The Chiefs didn’t get to this place with dumb luck or help from referees (regardless of what some NFL followers would possibly declare). They bought right here as a result of they’re one of many best-run organizations in skilled sports activities, they usually have a stacked roster with high-level gamers in each place.
Let’s analyze KC’s place teams and provides every unit a grade from A to F.
Quarterback – A
Patrick Mahomes is one of the best quarterback within the NFL, even when he’s having a down yr statistically. Throughout a season the place he failed to fulfill his yearly averages when it comes to passing yards, passing touchdowns, and quarterback ranking, Mahomes nonetheless gained 17 of the 18 video games he began and led the Chiefs to the Tremendous Bowl.
It’s additionally value noting that the down yr we’re referring to – 3,928 passing yards and 26 touchdowns with a completion charge of 67.5% – could be a profession yr for 98% of all different quarterbacks in NFL historical past.
You’ll be able to’t give the Chiefs’ QB any grade apart from an A.
Operating Again – D
I’m satisfied that Isiah Pacheco’s prolonged absence was actually detrimental to KC’s operating again room. Pacheco has not regarded proper after getting back from an harm in Week 13. Since then, he has solely averaged 29.3 speeding yards per recreation.
Kareem Hunt has taken a few of the stress off Pacheco, however his numbers aren’t significantly better. The 29-year-old again is simply good for 55.7 floor yards per recreation.
Patrick Mahomes has accounted for over 30% of KC’s playoff speeding yards. That tells me that the Chiefs’ operating again room is failing to fulfill expectations.
Large Receiver – C
KC’s extensive receivers have been ok to assist the group attain a 3rd consecutive Tremendous Bowl.
Rookie wideout Xavier Worthy has made a reputation for himself with a team-leading 11 catches on 13 targets. His 130 playoff receiving yards are second on the Chiefs to solely Travis Kelce. Worthy has grow to be probably the most vital gamers on Kansas Metropolis’s offense.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Hollywood Brown, and DeAndre Hopkins haven’t been lighting up opponents, however they’ve proven up in crucial moments with six mixed catches for 106 yards (25.1% of all KC’s receiving yards).
The Chiefs’ wideouts have been high quality however not particular.
Tight Finish – A
Travis Kelce should have a change he activates when the playoffs start. After ending the common season with 51.4 yards per recreation and three touchdowns, Kelce is now averaging 68 yards per contest and already has a landing in two postseason video games this yr. Moreover, he has nearly doubled his yards per reception (8.5 through the common season vs. 15.1 within the postseason). So long as Travis Kelce steps foot on the sphere with the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes, he has the potential to play like one of the best tight finish of all time.
Backup Noah Gray also can get issues completed when requested. He’s a superb run blocker and averages over 2.2 catches per recreation this yr, which is greater than sufficient whenever you’re backing up Travis Kelce.
Offensive Line – C
Creed Humphrey was one of the best middle within the NFL through the common season, in response to Professional Soccer Focus’ grading system. He had the very best regular-season pass-blocking grade for facilities and the second-highest run-blocking grade. Exterior of him although, the Chiefs’ offensive line isn’t nice.
Proper sort out Jawaan Taylor gave up seven sacks through the common season. Joe Thuney has allowed a sack in addition to two quarterback hits within the playoffs. Mike Caliendo and Trey Smith have mixed for a sack and three QB hits this postseason.
After surrendering 2.4 sacks per matchup through the common season, KC’s offensive line has already allowed Patrick Mahomes to be taken down 5 occasions in two playoff video games. Pair that with poor speeding numbers, and also you’re left with a mean offensive line.
Defensive Line – A
Of the ten sacks that Kansas Metropolis’s protection has this postseason, 9 of them have come from defensive linemen.
Defensive finish George Karlaftis regarded just like the participant of the sport in opposition to the Houston Texans after he completed the afternoon with three sacks. He additionally had a significant influence within the AFC Championship with 4 complete tackles.
We’ve to offer flowers to Chris Jones too, who has been the highest-graded pass-rushing defensive sort out within the playoffs. Regardless of fixed triple-teams and double-teams, his 4 assisted tackles are tied for the third most on the Chiefs.
On high of that, 4 different KC defensive linemen have at the very least one sack this postseason.
That is arguably the Chiefs’ deepest unit and the group that’s taking part in one of the best proper now.
Linebacker – B
Drue Tranquill, Leo Chenal, and Nick Bolton have been the three guys anchoring KC’s linebacking corps. Tranquill is tied for the group lead in complete tackles (14) whereas Bolton is third in complete tackles (11). After that, there’s a big hole till we choose up once more with Chanel, who has six complete tackles.
Each Swayze Bozeman and Cam Jones have an assisted sort out. Nevertheless, just about all of Kansas Metropolis’s linebacker manufacturing is coming from the three aforementioned guys.
I’m going to offer Tranquill, Chanel, and Bolton a B somewhat than a C as a result of they’ve been requested to play so many defensive snaps. Their constant availability is extraordinarily vital to KC’s success on that aspect of the ball.
Cornerback – C
The Chiefs’ cornerback room has one actually good participant adopted by a bunch of common guys who’ve been stable through the playoffs.
With three cross deflections, Trent McDuffie has been one of many league’s most disruptive cornerbacks this postseason. Plus, he has solely allowed seven receptions on 136 defensive snaps (eighth-fewest amongst all cornerbacks within the playoffs).
Jaylen Watson has given up three catches and solely has one cross breakup within the playoffs. In the meantime, Joshua Williams and Christian Roland-Wallace have mixed for 2 solo tackles.
If it weren’t for Trent McDuffie, KC’s cornerback room could be the group’s weakest unit.
Security – A
Although he typically traces up at nickel again, Chamarri Conner has been making a distinction as a security with 14 complete tackles, a sack, and a compelled fumble. Concurrently, Justin Reid has 12 tackles of his personal to go together with a cross breakup in addition to 4 pressures, essentially the most amongst safeties within the playoffs.
These two guys alone could be an ideal security room. However the Chiefs nonetheless have Bryan Prepare dinner, Jaden Hicks, and Nazeeh Johnson, who’ve mixed for twenty-four tackles in two video games.
The Chiefs have playmakers throughout the board on the security place. That might spell hassle for Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles, who rank final in postseason passing (138.7 yards per recreation).