The Kansas City Chiefs fell to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football. Kansas City could point to a few different aspects as to why they lost the game. However, the defensive performance left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth, especially after having an early two-score lead.
Jacksonville outscored Kansas City 31-14 in just over two quarters to close things out. Defensively, there were similar issues that the Chiefs had shown in their first loss of the season. Kansas City was allowing Trevor Lawrence to beat them with both his arm and his legs. Yet one of the most frustrating results for the Chiefs’ defense came on passes down the field.
Travis Hunter’s leaping grab between two defenders seemed to get Lawrence rolling. Meanwhile, the Chiefs could not gain any leverage on throws outside the numbers as the game went on. Jaylen Watson was burned on a couple of pinpoint throws during the game-winning drive.
The Chiefs’ secondary unraveled against the Jaguars by allowing one big play after another.
Chamarri Conner also displayed some questionable technique on deep passes. Conner had a rough penalty in the end zone after failing to get his head around. Elsewhere, it just seemed like his head was spinning as he tried to find the man entering his zone or locate the football in this game.
According to Next Gen Stats, Lawrence finished this game with a completion percentage over expected of +11.1 percent. He had five completions of 12 yards or more, with yards after the catch not factored in.
Lawrence was also helped out by some panicked K.C. defenders. The Chiefs finished with a gaudy 13 penalties in this game. Not all of those were on the defense, of course. Yet the secondary certainly could have gotten off the field quicker if not for some poor attempts when scrambling in coverage.
Kansas City’s worst defensive performances have come when they’ve been tested down the field. Beating them in the quick passing game can still pay dividends, but to truly get the Chiefs on their heels, attacking aggressively has proven to be the most effective approach.
Kansas City has largely received solid play from the secondary. Monday night was simply an up-and-down showing by that group, though. The Chiefs will now be tested by a prolific passing game next week when they face the Detroit Lions. If Kansas City cannot play more composed in the intermediate to deep passing game, it could be a long day.
The Lions are also one of the most diverse offensive attacks in the league. Wrinkles and tricks will always be up their sleeve. On top of all that, they have a unique and multiple pass-catching group. Kansas City will be tested with both size and speed against Detroit. In the end, they at least have to be in better position while displaying improved technique on throws down the field.