That 28-24 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 8? Man, that one hit different. Not just because the Kansas City Chiefs got beat, but because of *how* they lost and what was on the line in the AFC West. It felt like both the offense and defense played well enough to snatch a W, but it all came down to the little things, the minutiae that left them one play short. This was a heartbreaking collapse, a game they should have won, and it showed some serious cracks.
“Sack Nation” Died, Welcome to The Batting Cage
Let’s be real: the Chiefs’ pass rush isn’t just bad, it’s non-existent. We’re almost halfway through the season, and this team has mustered a grand total of eight sacks. EIGHT! It’s a tough pill to swallow, but Chris Jones just ain’t the game-wrecker he once was. Peter Woods, who left early with a neck stinger in the game, hasn’t exactly been a difference-maker in his short NFL career either. And that’s pretty much it for interior guys who can even sniff the quarterback.
The edge rushers? They’re doing a *little* better, getting the occasional pressure. But “close” only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, right? Remember all those “George Karlaftis got close there” moments? Yeah, that’s becoming a perpetual theme. It’s just embarrassing to still call this pass rush “Sack Nation,” especially when one of the *few* things they actually do well is knock down passes. So, it’s time to retire that old moniker. I’m proposing a new one: “The Batting Cage.” Hits too close to home, doesn’t it?
Coaching Calls That Make You Scratch Your Head
Then there’s the coaching. Talk about some head-scratching decisions! Take Harrison Butker’s attempted 58-yard field goal in the rain. They’re up by three points with only two and a half minutes left, and Butker hasn’t converted anything over 50 yards all season. That’s a wild decision to make. I get wanting to show faith in your guy, but part of being a head coach is having the huevos rancheros to know when a player is in a slump or just cooked, and then making the tough, unpopular choice to adjust.
Butker went 1/2 in the game, missing that crucial kick late. And let’s not forget the pressure on him after Justin Tucker was signed following what was apparently an outstanding tryout. Oof.
It’s not just special teams. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s refusal to adjust his scheme and game plan to generate more pass rush is baffling. And the absolute unforgivable crime? Slipping into prevent defense when Kansas City was up by two scores late in the fourth quarter. Seriously? As for special teams coordinator Dave Toub, well, his huevos went bad two seasons ago. Now they’re just stinking up the whole chicken coop.
This collapse in Denver wasn’t just a loss, it was a flashing red light on systemic issues. We’ll see if the Chiefs make the necessary adjustments moving forward, because the AFC West is definitely watching.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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