Five ways these Chiefs get back to being those Chiefs

The last two Kansas City Chiefs games were not exactly the Chiefs we were accustomed to watching during the first five games.

On this week’s episode of the Arrowhead Pride Podcast, Shawn Barber and I counted down the five things that have to happen in order for the team to get back to its winning ways. For the details, watch the three-minute video or read below.

5. Wide receiver production needs to be better

Yes, we realize that Tyreek Hill is No. 5 in receiving yards in the NFL. That’s why we put this at No. 5 on the list. What we’re talking about here is a second wide receiver option—like meaningful production from candidates like Demarcus Robinson and Albert Wilson. Also, getting back to using Hill and De’Anthony Thomas in their decoy role. That opens up the Chiefs’ biggest playmakers in Travis Kelce and Kareem Hunt.

4. Tackling needs to be better (and we’re not talking about Marcus Peters)

We’ve seen a lot of tackling problems lately with the Chiefs, especially in the case of Marcus Peters, but Shawn makes the point that he’s not really concerned about cornerback tackling. That should catch your attention. Buckle up and listen to the 10-year linebacker!

3. Get healthy along the offensive line

Zach Fulton and Cam Erving have done a nice job filling in for Mitch Morse and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, respectively, but when the Chiefs had their true starting offensive line, this offense was rolling. Seems like there’s a good chance the full line will be back against Denver.

2. Get Kareem Hunt going in the rushing attack early every game

Kareem “The Dream,” “Mr. 100,” “Rookie Phenom,” only knows getting 100 yards from scrimmage, but in recent games, the Chiefs have struggled to get him going in the run game early, if at all. Get back to that, Shawn says, and the offense will open up.

1. The secondary needs to be better

Uh, duh. But Shawn offers some more insight, saying that Chiefs fans need to stop looking outside the team. All the the answers are within, and Steve Nelson on the way back should help that.