Chiefs' offense: "one of the worst in the league, by nearly every measure"

[the Talking Can]

http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/9...chiefs-offense

some numbers to chew on from arrowhead pride

The Chiefs are actually 12th in the league in PPG, at 23.7. But if you take away the 14 points the defense is directly responsible for, that number drops to 19 PPG, which would be tied for 23rd - with the Raiders. The Chiefs are relying on the defense to score points, which isn't good. Defensive scoring is random and shouldn't be part of the game plan. They didn't need Tamba Hali's pick-6 to beat the Jaguars, but they did need Eric Berry's against the Eagles.

They also are just not moving the ball; their 333 yds/gm is 21st in the league and their 4.9 yds/play ranks 25th. "Well Kyle," you may ask, " if the Chiefs offense is so bad, how are they undefeated this year?" That's an excellent question, thank you for asking. The answer is that the defense and special teams are much, much better than we thought.

The problem the Chiefs are having is getting to the Red Zone in the first place. They're 30th in yards per drive, with only Tampa Bay and Jacksonville behind them, and Cleveland directly in front of them (not good company to be in). This is a really, really bad offense. But here's the real kicker: the Chiefs' offense has the best starting field position in the NFL this year, and still can't score.

The Chiefs average 17 yards per drive better field position than their opponents (ok, ok, 16.95), the best mark in the NFL (2nd table). Only two other teams average more than 10 yards better starting field position than their opponents (New England and Chicago). The Chiefs' average starting line of scrimmage (LOS) is their own 36.97 yard line (best in the NFL), while their opponents average starting LOS is their own 20.02 yard line (also best in the NFL). What all of that means is the Chiefs's offense is handed consistently great starting field position and can't do anything with it, then they let the special teams pin opponents deep in their own territory. The defense bails out the offense by not letting opponents move the ball, giving the offense the ball back with great starting field position. Lather, rinse, repeat.

There's a nice breakdown of our defense against philly over there as well:
http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/9/2...p-kelly-eagles

I have to reiterate and emphasize just how much the Chiefs played man to man -- like a ton of it. And they have the secondary to handle it, unlike most teams in the NFL. Specifically, they matched up Sean Smith on Cooper a lot on the outside. If this had been a prize fight, Cooper's corner would have thrown in the towel somewhere around the middle of the second quarter. Smith owned him right up until the end of the game when he started cramping up. Cooper just couldn't shake him, especially on those aforementioned deep routes Kelly had him running all game.

[GoChargers]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Was waiting patiently for this bullshit.

I love the attitude that because he's not turning the ball over, it's OK to not be able to score.

Geno Smith. 6 INT's.

YOU CAN'T WIN TURNING THE BALL OVER.

Drew Brees. 4 INT's.

YOU CAN'T WIN TURNING THE BALL OVER.

Matt Schaub. 4 INT's.

YOU CAN'T WIN TURNING THE BALL OVER.

Jay Cutler. Andy Dalton.

YOU CAN'T WIN TURNING THE BALL OVER.

This is the most annoying argument from the Smiff slurpers. They don't understand that a few picks are an acceptable cost in exchange for the benefits of testing the other team's secondary, possibly drawing a couple of bullshit PI calls on the other team's defense, and putting lots of points on the board.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by BigChiefTablet

Just ask any welfare leach with 10 kids from 6 different women.

Why is this in here?...

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I've been saying for weeks (if you hadn't noticed) that my hope is that Kush is ready to take over the center spot in time for the Bye Week. Move Hudson to left and Schwartz to right.

One can dream...

Did you see anything out of him in the preseason that has gone missed by most people?

The 2nd string offensive line was actually not all that bad when facing other backups. I didn't zero in on Kush too much because I was mostly watching the WRs.

[keg in kc]

Originally Posted by Mavericks Ace

That is part of the problem that isn't discussed really at all.

There is absolutely no depth behind Charles. Well, hell, on offense there really isn't any depth anywhere.

I don't know and wont pretend to but every time Knile Davis touches the ball, I hold my breath that he doesn't fumble. And if Alex Smith isn't throwing to bowe or avery, or Charles. Who is he throwing to?

Hopefully certainly not McCluster.

There's plenty of depth at RB. I would assume Cyrus Gray would take over should JC go down. There's also plenty of depth at other positions on offense, more than this team has had in years. As for receiver, Hemmingway could I think easily step in there.

The only problem spot right now is TE, and that's because they've lost the top three of them to injury since camp (if you include Moeaki).

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by GoChargers

This is the most annoying argument from the Smiff slurpers. They don't understand that a few picks are an acceptable cost in exchange for the benefits of testing the other team's secondary, possibly drawing a couple of bullshit PI calls on the other team's defense, and putting lots of points on the board.

Smith will never, ever, be what he could be because he's playing QB like a beaten wife...

[keg in kc]

Originally Posted by GoChargers

This is the most annoying argument from the Smiff slurpers. They don't understand that a few picks are an acceptable cost in exchange for the benefits of testing the other team's secondary, possibly drawing a couple of bullshit PI calls on the other team's defense, and putting lots of points on the board.

I agree, but I also think that the argument could be made that this team turning the ball over may well have turned any of the 3 wins into losses (well, okay, not Jax, but the other two - hell, getting Knile Davis' fumble to bounce right back to us may be the most fortunate moment of the year to date).

But at some point Smith has to stretch the defense or we'll be smothered to death.

[Mav]

Originally Posted by GoChargers

This is the most annoying argument from the Smiff slurpers. They don't understand that a few picks are an acceptable cost in exchange for the benefits of testing the other team's secondary, possibly drawing a couple of bullshit PI calls on the other team's defense, and putting lots of points on the board.

you know what. I actually really hadn't thought that way. its a fair point.

I am not sure though that there is the talent quite yet on the Chiefs offense, to allow for that. That would be my concern. There is three main weapons on the Chiefs. After that, there isn't a lot to scare the opposing teams. That's the only danger in that philo. But, its a very good point, and im not against it.

[Jakemall]

I find it facinating that Alex had the same sort of stats in 2011. Considering that it was a similiar situation (new coach, new play book, ect.) I guess it shouldn't be THAT surprising.

Sure it is completely unimpressive, but somehow the job gets done.


Alex could become the first QB to take two different teams to the play-offs and get absolutely none of the credit. Maybe the history buffs could correct me on this.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by SNR

Did you see anything out of him in the preseason that has gone missed by most people?

The 2nd string offensive line was actually not all that bad when facing other backups. I didn't zero in on Kush too much because I was mostly watching the WRs.

IIRC, he struggled his first two games but looked competent his final two games. He's a strong dude (25 reps at the combine) and has good feet.

One thing he has over Hudson is that he's actually a center.

[FringeNC]

I don't how our offensive line is one of the worst in the league. I keep waiting for it to get better. It did seem a little better in the 4th quarter against the Eagles but was that the line playing better or the Eagles defenders getting tired?

There's no doubt at this point that our O-line is quite a bit worse than last year.

[HemiEd]

Originally Posted by saphojunkie

I don't understand...

When we traded two second round picks for Alex Smith, and all of us complained... what did you think we were complaining about?

When Kyle Orton took over for this team and we saw what even a mildly competent quarterback looked like, what do you think we were saying about the rest of the talent on this team?

Alex Smith is not a game winner. We all know this. We knew this back in March.

The Chiefs are absolutely a playoff caliber team, because they have enough pieces on both sides of the ball.

I, for one, am capable of compartmentalizing my dissatisfaction with our quarterback situation and my relief and joy of having a QB who is capable enough to not lose us games and, if not lead, then shepherd us to victory.

Quarterback remains the single most important position in all of team sports. I am adamant that whoever plays that position needs to be one of your absolute best players.

Alex Smith is not one of our eleven best players. But the other 21 guys are good enough to make up for it right now.

spot on

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by FringeNC

I don't how our offensive line is one of the worst in the league. I keep waiting for it to get better. It did seem a little better in the 4th quarter against the Eagles but was that the line playing better or the Eagles defenders getting tired?

There's no doubt at this point that our O-line is quite a bit worse than last year.

My opinion is that it was a mistake to switch from a zone blocking scheme

[Mav]

Originally Posted by keg in kc

There's plenty of depth at RB. I would assume Cyrus Gray would take over should JC go down. There's also plenty of depth at other positions on offense, more than this team has had in years. As for receiver, Hemmingway could I think easily step in there.

The only problem spot right now is TE, and that's because they've lost the top three of them to injury since camp (if you include Moeaki).

Could, or should? As I was saying with Clay last night, something we both agree on. It doesn't make sense that Hemmingway isn't this teams third receiver. The problems with tight end are much bigger than people want to realize. Fasano is a career back up, and I loved the Kelce pick as much as anyone, and he showed nothing in the preseason, and has been hurt all season. That's beyond a disaster. I don't know about Gray, or Cyrus, but that's a huge drop off after Charles, I believe.

Originally Posted by Rausch

Smith will never, ever, be what he could be because he's playing QB like a beaten wife...

I AGREE 100%.

That's my biggest gripe with Alex Smith. One, he has the ability to make every play on the football field. he is far too cautious. Too many times, instead of seeing it, and ripping it, he doubts himself, he tries to run the calculations.

I think in the preseason when people saw Bray grip it and rip it if you will, that's what got most so excited. He does, he waits too long.

I like Alex Smith, but, I know he needs to improve.

[keg in kc]

Originally Posted by FringeNC

I don't how our offensive line is one of the worst in the league. I keep waiting for it to get better. It did seem a little better in the 4th quarter against the Eagles but was that the line playing better or the Eagles defenders getting tired?

There's no doubt at this point that our O-line is quite a bit worse than last year.

I could swear that just before the start of the season Dorsey had an interview with Petro (I think it was Petro) where he basically said he thought it would take the better part of the season for the line to come together, due to their age/experience and the scheme change. I thought that was just blowing smoke at the time, but it doesn't look so much like it now.

[Iowanian]

I haven't forgotten the frustration I felt during the Eagles game.

The offensive line has been blocking across the board like a group of street free agents. They've managed some late game drives, but this offense has been a sputtering turd in a fan. There is just no excuse for an offense with #25 and 82(who used to play in KC I recall).....to struggle the way they have.

While the line hasn't blocked very well, Smith is playing scared. He looks like he's afraid to make a mistake and he plays like he doesn't trust his line to give him 3 seconds to make a throw.

I said a few weeks ago I thought this line was young and hadn't played much and my assumption and hope was that going into this part of the season...games 4,5,6 they'd begin to get their poop in a group.

I'm trying to believe my bad girlfriend isn't a whore anymore...but she's cheated so many times. Watching these games, I feel like an abused kid so used to daddy drinking and beating me, I still flinch when he reaches to pat my head.