After the Superbowl Debacle what do the Chiefs need to address?

Offensive Struggles

The Kansas City Chiefs suffered from one of their worst offensive performances in a Super Bowl, and a significant reason for that was the inconsistent play of their wide receivers. The team led the NFL in dropped passes, finishing the season with 44 drops, the most in the league. Rookie Rashee Rice showed promise, leading the team with 938 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, but outside of him, production was lackluster. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who was signed to a three-year, $30 million contract, had just 21 catches for 315 yards and 1 touchdown, struggling with critical drops in key moments.

The Chiefs’ offensive line was a major concern throughout the season, and it showed in the Super Bowl loss. Patrick Mahomes was pressured on 41% of his drop backs, the highest rate of any quarterback in a Super Bowl since 2015. While the interior line performed well, tackles Jawaan Taylor and Donovan Smith struggled with penalties and edge rushers. Taylor, who signed a four-year, $80 million deal, led all offensive linemen with 18 penalties on the season, costing the Chiefs crucial field position.

Defensive Adjustments

Despite having one of the best defensive units in the league, the Chiefs struggled against the run. They allowed 1,918 rushing yards throughout the season, ranking 20th in the NFL. Against top-tier rushing attacks, they were exposed, giving up 148 yards on the ground in the Super Bowl. Linebackers Nick Bolton and Willie Gay made plays but often found themselves out of position against power-running schemes.

Kansas City’s secondary was one of the best in the league, allowing just 187 passing yards per game, the third best in the NFL. L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie were standout cornerbacks, shutting down elite receivers throughout the season. However, the team struggled with deep coverage at times, giving up 23 passing touchdowns, tied for 13th in the NFL. This was evident in the Super Bowl, where blown coverages led to crucial scoring plays.

Salary Cap Constraints

Mahomes is the face of the franchise, but his 10-year, $450 million contract significantly limits cap flexibility. His $57.3 million cap hit in 2024 makes it difficult for the Chiefs to retain key players and sign elite free agents. This forces the team to rely on rookies and bargain free agents, limiting their ability to make major upgrades.

Kansas City has several big contracts on the books, including Chris Jones, who played under a one-year, $19.5 million franchise tag in 2023. The Chiefs must decide whether to extend him or risk losing their best pass rusher. Additionally, aging veterans like Travis Kelce, who carries a $14.2 million cap hit, could see contract restructured to free up space.

Offensive Scheme Adjustments

Isiah Pacheco was a bright spot in the offense, rushing for 935 yards and 8 touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry. However, the Chiefs often abandoned the run, ranking 25th in rushing attempts per game. Establishing a more balanced attack could relieve pressure on Mahomes and improve efficiency.

Andy Reid is one of the greatest offensive minds in football, but some of his play-calling decisions came under scrutiny. The Chiefs had a third-down conversion rate of 41.7%, ranking 9th in the league, but they struggled in short-yardage situations, converting only 53% of their third-and-short attempts.

Special Teams Woes

Harrison Butker had a solid season, making 92.1% of his field goals, but he struggled in clutch moments. In the playoffs, he missed a 43-yard attempt that could have shifted momentum. The Chiefs also ranked 22nd in kickoff return yards allowed, often giving opponents good field position.

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Draft and Free Agency Priorities

With multiple underperforming receivers, the Chiefs must target a reliable pass-catcher. The 2024 NFL Draft features top talents like Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze, any of whom could provide an immediate boost. In free agency, names like Mike Evans and Calvin Ridley could be potential signings, depending on cap flexibility.

The Chiefs need an upgrade at tackle, as both Jawaan Taylor and Donovan Smith were inconsistent. Targeting offensive linemen in the draft or signing veterans like David Bakhtiari or Jonah Williams could solidify the unit and protect Mahomes better.

Coaching and Leadership Evaluation

The Chiefs missed former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who departed for Washington. His influence on play-calling and offensive efficiency was evident. Bringing him back or finding a strong replacement could help improve execution.

Veteran leadership remains crucial, especially with young players in key positions. Mahomes, Kelce, and Jones are respected voices, but additional leaders must emerge to maintain team morale and discipline.

The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2024 offseason with several pressing issues, ranging from offensive struggles and cap limitations to coaching evaluations and roster improvements. Addressing these weaknesses is crucial to returning to championship form. With the right moves in free agency, the draft, and potential coaching adjustments, the Chiefs can bounce back and reclaim their dominance in the NFL.