Chiefs ESPN Article on Chiefs Woes - Page 2

LongSufferingToady · 10-15-2021, 12:52 AM

Chiefs address weekly burden of being in the 'crosshairs'
https://www.espn.com/blog/kansas-cit...the-crosshairs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- As the two-time defending AFC champions with dynamic talent Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, it's natural the Kansas City Chiefs take every opponent's best shot.

Defensive back Tyrann Mathieu suggested the Chiefs are wearing down under that burden.

"We've just got to find a way to dig deep," Mathieu said Sunday night after a 38-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. "Every team we play wants to beat us. They want to beat us bad. ... We go to Washington [this] week and they're going to want to beat us.

"Guys stay up late [in preparation to play against the Chiefs], coaches stay up late. These guys come into our stadium and all they want to do is win. I say that to say it's a certain urgency you have to have when you play for the Kansas City Chiefs. Everybody in this league, they want what we have: the Mahomes and the Hills and just all the success we've had, teams are chasing that, that glory."

The Chiefs, who started each of the previous four seasons by winning at least four games, are 2-3 and in an unusual spot -- last place in the AFC West. They've played a difficult schedule -- four of their five opponents look like they will make the playoffs -- but uncharacteristically haven't handled it well.

Much of the problem rests with a defense that is last in the league, allowing almost 33 points per game. That can be traced to many factors, but there seems to be little doubt one of them is that opponents -- as Mathieu said -- are putting in extra time to prepare for them.

Washington coach Ron Rivera will be the latest to try to beat the Chiefs on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS). He's familiar with being a particular focus of an opponent's preparation, having once played for a Super Bowl championship team with the Chicago Bears in 1985 and later coaching the Carolina Panthers to a 15-1 regular season and a Super Bowl berth in 2015.

"It's very hard," Rivera said. "[Chiefs coach Andy Reid] won his [Super Bowl] and the next season everybody took shots at him and now everybody takes shots at him another time.

"Having lost [the Super Bowl last season] and just the trauma of trying to get it started again, that's difficult. It really is. It takes a lot out of you. [Reid] has gone through it two years in a row, I can only imagine how much of a strain that is on an individual. It's a lot of work. You are always in people's crosshairs. Nothing comes easy at that point. ... You're in a situation where you're the measuring stick for a while."

Rivera said the players felt a similar burden as the coach.

"When I was a player for the Bears, I always felt that way from that point on, from 1985 on, that we were going to get everybody's best shot," he said.

Nobody is feeling sorry for the Chiefs. Wearing the bull's eye is a problem any team would like to have, and Reid suggested doing so is a privilege and not a burden.

"I wouldn't want to be in any different position than that, as are the guys that have been here before," Reid said. "And now you've got an influx of new guys, so they weren't here the last year or two.

"Everybody, we just all need to rise our game up and have that same urgency to get things done."

Mahomes said: "I wouldn't want it any other way. I want to be as prepared as possible to play in the playoffs to try to make it to the Super Bowl. If that means we're going to get the best shot from every single team, then I'm ready for the challenge."

The trouble for the Chiefs is they haven't been ready this season. Opponents have consistently tried a defensive strategy -- two deep safeties and not blitzing -- that has at times frustrated Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense and forced them into turnovers.

On defense, little has worked. They're allowing a staggering 7.1 yards per play, which is last in the NFL and well over the league average of 5.7. The NFL record for a full season is 6.6.

That can explain why the Chiefs, at least on defense, are feeling the strain.

"We've just got to find a way to stop the bleeding," Mathieu said.

"Rise up"??? What the hell does that mean? To me it means they don't have a clue on how to fix the defense. That's what it means to me.

Marcellus · 10-15-2021, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

Well that explains it, thank goodness someone has it figured out.

Let's be honest here, coaches speak in coach speak, nothing he says is going to be enlightening.

He isn't coming out and saying they are going to switch coverages to this or that, hell he wont even say they are changing personnel in different sets etc...you don't tell anyone anything you are doing when you are making changes to improve one side of the ball. That would be dumb.

So you get coach speak.

scho63 · 10-15-2021, 10:17 AM

As much as I hate to say this, it makes what the Patriots did the last 15 years even more incredible.

scho63 · 10-15-2021, 10:24 AM

The team has to be seeing all these stories talking about how much they suck. Gotta be some motivation.

Chiefspants · 10-15-2021, 10:24 AM

We might be due for a more humiliating loss against the WFT, Titans or Broncos if the attitude is simply "other teams are treating us like their Super Bowl and that's why we're losing."

Fish · 10-15-2021, 10:25 AM

Quote:

These guys come into our stadium and all they want to do is win.

Strange phenomenon....

Hog's Gone Fishin · 10-15-2021, 10:36 AM

This quote by Tyrann is underrated

"We've just got to find a way to dig deep," Mathieu said Sunday night after a 38-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. "Every team we play wants to beat us. They want to beat us bad. ... We go to Washington [this] week and they're going to want to beat us.

I wonder if this is something new or if teams have wanted to beat us before??

Imon Yourside · 10-15-2021, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hog's Gone Fishin

This quote by Tyrann is underrated

"We've just got to find a way to dig deep," Mathieu said Sunday night after a 38-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. "Every team we play wants to beat us. They want to beat us bad. ... We go to Washington [this] week and they're going to want to beat us.

I wonder if this is something new or if teams have wanted to beat us before??

Herm could fix that defense cuz you do play to win the game!

Hammock Parties · 10-15-2021, 10:41 AM

only AFC teams feel this way

we have been pretty unfortunate to play four teams that all lost to us last year, with good to elite QBs, and they came into the year knowing they had to get past us to get to the next level

the browns, chargers ravens and bills all spent the entire offseason focused almost solely on how to beat us

and in the end, what REALLY beat us...was turnovers

we gonna be fine

**ptlyon** · 10-15-2021, 10:44 AM

As big as a clown Clay is, that post made me have good feels.

I agree. Thanks Clay.

Hog's Gone Fishin · 10-15-2021, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammock Parties

only AFC teams feel this way

we have been pretty unfortunate to play four teams that all lost to us last year, with good to elite QBs, and they came into the year knowing they had to get past us to get to the next level

the browns, chargers ravens and bills all spent the entire offseason focused almost solely on how to beat us

and in the end, what REALLY beat us...was turnovers

we gonna be fine

We're going to steam roll the WFT and we won't be looking back. 14-3

Hammock Parties · 10-15-2021, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hog's Gone Fishin

We're going to steam roll the WFT and we won't be looking back. 14-3

In no universe can Taylor Heinicke beat Patrick Mahomes.

Rainbarrel · 10-15-2021, 11:06 AM

The uncomfortable feeling of knowing. That if you beat the Chiefs in the first 5 games of 2021? You still haven't beat anyone.

KChiefs1 · 10-15-2021, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scho63

As much as I hate to say this, it makes what the Patriots did the last 15 years even more incredible.

Amazing but they had Tom Brady too.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ModSocks · 10-15-2021, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hog's Gone Fishin

This quote by Tyrann is underrated

"We've just got to find a way to dig deep," Mathieu said Sunday night after a 38-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. "Every team we play wants to beat us. They want to beat us bad. ... We go to Washington [this] week and they're going to want to beat us.

I wonder if this is something new or if teams have wanted to beat us before??

Hog posts are so underrated.

jallmon · 10-15-2021, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammock Parties

only AFC teams feel this way

we have been pretty unfortunate to play four teams that all lost to us last year, with good to elite QBs, and they came into the year knowing they had to get past us to get to the next level

the browns, chargers ravens and bills all spent the entire offseason focused almost solely on how to beat us

and in the end, what REALLY beat us...was turnovers

we gonna be fine

Thanks Clay!

10-15-2021, 12:52 AM
LongSufferingToady Old, not Dead Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Where the Buffalo Roam... Casino cash: $9320400	ESPN Article on Chiefs Woes Chiefs address weekly burden of being in the 'crosshairs' https://www.espn.com/blog/kansas-cit...the-crosshairs KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- As the two-time defending AFC champions with dynamic talent Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, it's natural the Kansas City Chiefs take every opponent's best shot. Defensive back Tyrann Mathieu suggested the Chiefs are wearing down under that burden. "We've just got to find a way to dig deep," Mathieu said Sunday night after a 38-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. "Every team we play wants to beat us. They want to beat us bad. ... We go to Washington [this] week and they're going to want to beat us. "Guys stay up late [in preparation to play against the Chiefs], coaches stay up late. These guys come into our stadium and all they want to do is win. I say that to say it's a certain urgency you have to have when you play for the Kansas City Chiefs. Everybody in this league, they want what we have: the Mahomes and the Hills and just all the success we've had, teams are chasing that, that glory." The Chiefs, who started each of the previous four seasons by winning at least four games, are 2-3 and in an unusual spot -- last place in the AFC West. They've played a difficult schedule -- four of their five opponents look like they will make the playoffs -- but uncharacteristically haven't handled it well. Much of the problem rests with a defense that is last in the league, allowing almost 33 points per game. That can be traced to many factors, but there seems to be little doubt one of them is that opponents -- as Mathieu said -- are putting in extra time to prepare for them. Washington coach Ron Rivera will be the latest to try to beat the Chiefs on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS). He's familiar with being a particular focus of an opponent's preparation, having once played for a Super Bowl championship team with the Chicago Bears in 1985 and later coaching the Carolina Panthers to a 15-1 regular season and a Super Bowl berth in 2015. "It's very hard," Rivera said. "[Chiefs coach Andy Reid] won his [Super Bowl] and the next season everybody took shots at him and now everybody takes shots at him another time. "Having lost [the Super Bowl last season] and just the trauma of trying to get it started again, that's difficult. It really is. It takes a lot out of you. [Reid] has gone through it two years in a row, I can only imagine how much of a strain that is on an individual. It's a lot of work. You are always in people's crosshairs. Nothing comes easy at that point. ... You're in a situation where you're the measuring stick for a while." Rivera said the players felt a similar burden as the coach. "When I was a player for the Bears, I always felt that way from that point on, from 1985 on, that we were going to get everybody's best shot," he said. Nobody is feeling sorry for the Chiefs. Wearing the bull's eye is a problem any team would like to have, and Reid suggested doing so is a privilege and not a burden. "I wouldn't want to be in any different position than that, as are the guys that have been here before," Reid said. "And now you've got an influx of new guys, so they weren't here the last year or two. "Everybody, we just all need to rise our game up and have that same urgency to get things done." Mahomes said: "I wouldn't want it any other way. I want to be as prepared as possible to play in the playoffs to try to make it to the Super Bowl. If that means we're going to get the best shot from every single team, then I'm ready for the challenge." The trouble for the Chiefs is they haven't been ready this season. Opponents have consistently tried a defensive strategy -- two deep safeties and not blitzing -- that has at times frustrated Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense and forced them into turnovers. On defense, little has worked. They're allowing a staggering 7.1 yards per play, which is last in the NFL and well over the league average of 5.7. The NFL record for a full season is 6.6. That can explain why the Chiefs, at least on defense, are feeling the strain. "We've just got to find a way to stop the bleeding," Mathieu said. "Rise up"??? What the hell does that mean? To me it means they don't have a clue on how to fix the defense. That's what it means to me.
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10-15-2021, 10:17 AM	#17
scho63 Politically Incorrect Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Casino cash: $2541110	As much as I hate to say this, it makes what the Patriots did the last 15 years even more incredible. __________________ *"The only difference between sex for free and sex for money is that sex for free costs you a WHOLE LOT more!"* ~Redd Foxx~ ~~2018 2019 2020 20212022 2023~~ 2024 Adopt a Chief - Clark Hunt and Brett Veach "The men who drafted Patrick Mahomes"
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10-15-2021, 10:24 AM	#18
scho63 Politically Incorrect Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Casino cash: $2541110	The team has to be seeing all these stories talking about how much they suck. Gotta be some motivation. __________________ *"The only difference between sex for free and sex for money is that sex for free costs you a WHOLE LOT more!"* ~Redd Foxx~ ~~2018 2019 2020 20212022 2023~~ 2024 Adopt a Chief - Clark Hunt and Brett Veach "The men who drafted Patrick Mahomes"
Posts: 50,720

10-15-2021, 10:24 AM	#19
Chiefspants World's Best Boss Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bronco Country Casino cash: $5654654	We might be due for a more humiliating loss against the WFT, Titans or Broncos if the attitude is simply "other teams are treating us like their Super Bowl and that's why we're losing."
Posts: 18,353

10-15-2021, 10:36 AM	#21
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1490477	This quote by Tyrann is underrated "We've just got to find a way to dig deep," Mathieu said Sunday night after a 38-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. "Every team we play wants to beat us. They want to beat us bad. ... We go to Washington [this] week and they're going to want to beat us. I wonder if this is something new or if teams have wanted to beat us before??
Posts: 40,384	1 0

10-15-2021, 10:41 AM	#23
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4480478	only AFC teams feel this way we have been pretty unfortunate to play four teams that all lost to us last year, with good to elite QBs, and they came into the year knowing they had to get past us to get to the next level the browns, chargers ravens and bills all spent the entire offseason focused almost solely on how to beat us and in the end, what REALLY beat us...was turnovers we gonna be fine __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 278,546	2 0

10-15-2021, 10:44 AM	#24
ptlyon Bono & Grbac wasn't enough Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Sioux City, IA Casino cash: $12873829	As big as a clown Clay is, that post made me have good feels. I agree. Thanks Clay. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Advertise here: $19.99 a month
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10-15-2021, 11:06 AM	#27
Rainbarrel MVP Join Date: Mar 2021 Casino cash: $2590400	The uncomfortable feeling of knowing. That if you beat the Chiefs in the first 5 games of 2021? You still haven't beat anyone.
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