The Kansas City Chiefs survived a surprisingly close matchup against the Houston Texans. In the Chiefs’ week 15 game they outlasted the Texans with a score of 30-24.
Jerick McKinnon’s receiving ability is a game changer
Jerick McKinnon has been a utility back for most of the season. But in the last two weeks, the backup running back has become one of Patrick Mahomes’ biggest weapons. McKinnon’s recent production has proved valuable in two straight close games for the Chiefs.
In his last two games, the running back has accumulated 15 catches for 182 yards and three touchdowns. That is more receiving yards and touchdowns than any other player on the team during the two-game stretch, including Travis Kelce.
McKinnon has even produced in the run game, as he scampered for 52 yards and a touchdown in the overtime victory against Houston. He is however, still the backup running back behind Isiah Pacheco. But McKinnon has more than likely earned more snaps, especially in the passing game as the Chiefs gear up for the postseason.
With two touchdowns in each of his last two games it is clear that Andy Reid has put emphasis on getting him the ball. If McKinnon can keep up this production, Mahomes will have another scary weapon in his arsenal heading into the playoffs.
Where is Kadarious Toney?
The football world sighed at the sight of the Chiefs handing Mahomes another young promising receiver earlier this season. But the former Giant Kadarious Toney has yet to make his presence felt in the offense.
After his lone impressive showing of the season against Jacksonville, he has only had one catch for five yards. Needless to say that Chiefs fans were hoping for more production out of Toney.
Toney has been outproduced by many role players on the offense including, Noah Grey and Skyy Moore. The former Giant was “injured” prior to being acquired by Kansas City but this doesn’t seem to be the issue.
Whether he is having trouble learning Reid’s playbook or not producing at practice Toney has to show up at some point this season. The Chiefs were hoping that this player would add yet another dimension to this explosive offense but it has yet to be seen.
Chiefs struggle against a lesser opponent. (again)
For the second straight week now the Kansas City Chiefs have struggled against lesser opponents. This can be a cause for concern for the Chiefs heading into the postseason. This time of year is typically the time when it is ideal for teams to play their best football.
With the last two one-score victories against the Texans and Broncos, should Chiefs fans start to panic? The answer is no, but it is still concerning to see the team play down to their opponents.
Against the Broncos, Mahomes played his worse game of the season throwing three interceptions and the offense still scored 34 points. This speaks to the team’s talent and overall high level of play. Every quarterback has a bad game every now and then, in the Chiefs’ week 15 game against the Texans is more concerning.
The 30 point on the scoreboard is really deceiving based on how this game went for the Chiefs’ offense. For the second straight week, Mahomes and the offense had three or more turnovers which kept the opposition in the game.
This week three different players fumbled including Isiah Pacheco who has had trouble holding onto the ball this season. If the Chiefs continue to shoot their own foot in the playoffs, the level of competition may be to much to come back from. Mahomes and the offense have to clean up the turnovers soon or it will cost them.
This concludes The Kansas City Chiefs Week 15 Takeaways.
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