If [Week 1 was any indication](https://arrowheadaddict.com/it-only-took-one-week-for-the-chiefs-to-hit-a-low-no-one-saw-coming), the Kansas City Chiefs may be facing serious defensive issues this season.
Outside of Chris Jones, the team lacks consistent pass-rushers, which limits much of what they want to accomplish defensively. Karlaftis has always been a high-effort rusher; however, he’s still somewhat raw and needs to diversify his pass-rush tool belt. The linebacking corps is solid, but the secondary remains a concern, as it lacks true playmakers who can create turnovers with the ball in the air.
With that in mind, the focus shifts to maximizing the offensive output in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles. It will be no easy task. The former Super Bowl champions fielded the NFL’s top-ranked defense in 2024, built around one of the league’s most dominant defensive fronts. Kansas City will need to be sharp, creative, and efficient to find success.
Success in the Run Game
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Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in football. However, to maximize his efficiency, the offense needs balance. Attaining success on early downs—ideally through the running game—will be extremely important against this defense. Running the ball effectively can keep the offense in manageable second- and third-down situations, which is vital against a defense of Philadelphia’s caliber.
The Chiefs cannot afford to fall behind the sticks against a defensive front anchored by Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, arguably one of the NFL’s best interior tandems. Davis is a nightmare on early downs, making it extremely difficult to run the football inside.
Meanwhile, Vic Fangio’s scheme thrives on generating pressure with four rushers, giving him the freedom to drop seven into coverage and ultimately confuse quarterbacks with disguised looks.
If Kansas City struggles to run the football, effectively utilizing bubble screens and smoke screens can serve as functional extensions of the run. Either way, winning on early downs will be the key to unlocking offensive rhythm and keeping this dominant defense on its heels. Kansas City’s absence of a true home-run threat at running back will be on full display.
Utilize Tyquan Thornton in favorable situations
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While the Eagles boast one of the NFL’s best defenses, their cornerbacks remain the most exploitable unit.
Rookie Quinyon Mitchell looks like a future star, but there are places on the perimeter that can be attacked. Second-year corner Kelee Ringo was expected to take a step in Year 2 and ideally grasp the starting position outside. However, after a rough preseason that exposed his inability to play man coverage, they seem to have resigned themselves to the fact that he just isn’t ready for a prominent role. As a result, Philadelphia brought in Adoree’ Jackson, yet his Week 1 performance left much to be desired.
This is where Matt Nagy and Andy Reid can generate mismatches by utilizing more of Tyquan Thornton. With his dynamic athleticism and speed, he is always a threat to “lift coverage.” Hollywood Brown, either due to injuries or age, appears to have lost some of the deep-threat ability he once had. Thornton appears to be the only healthy receiver the Chiefs will have in Week 2 who can be a downfield threat. Expect Andy Reid and Matt Nagy to scheme Thornton into favorable matchups to generate explosive plays.
Max Protect
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In order to throw the ball down the field, the Chiefs may need to max protect. The offensive line was already a question mark entering the season, and Week 2 provides an enormous test. With Jalen Carter cleared to play, the Eagles’ front four will challenge Kansas City’s offensive line.
The [Chiefs traded away veteran Joe Thuney](https://arrowheadaddict.com/chiefs-need-kingsley-suamataia-to-prove-the-joe-thuney-trade-made-sense-01k0pvg4c0v4) in the offseason, leaving Creed Humphrey as the leader of a young offensive line group. Rookie Josh Simmons looks like a perennial Pro Bowler at left tackle, surrendering four pressures but no sacks in his NFL debut. Trey Smith appeared to play well but gave up some pressures inside.
Jawaan Taylor has always been susceptible to false start penalties, especially when facing dynamic edge rushers. He committed four in Week 1. As a result, you can expect Fangio to line up Nolan Smith Jr. over Taylor in obvious passing situations. This week will be a huge test for the offensive line.
The Kingsley Suamataia experiment at tackle failed, and he didn’t look great at guard in Week 1. He really struggles to redirect laterally. This is particularly concerning because interior pressure is the fastest way to disrupt a quarterback’s timing. Pressure up the middle prevents Mahomes from stepping up into the pocket, forcing rushed throws or scrambles.
The Chiefs’ interior offensive line will have to play well for the offense—and ultimately the team—to have success. Interior pressure is not only the fastest route to the quarterback but also hinders him from stepping up and delivering the football from the pocket.
Given this and the injuries at wide receiver, Kansas City may need to rely on six- and seven-man protections to give Mahomes enough time to exploit Philadelphia’s secondary. Fangio is a master at creating mismatches, so max protecting will be essential to giving Mahomes time to attack the Eagles’ secondary.