clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Chiefs rewatch: 20 thoughts from Seattle

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Games are often never played as good as you think they are in the moment or as bad. I had to miss the game, so Twitter scared me before I had to chance to watch. While there were definitely some discouraging moments in Friday’s game in Seattle, it wasn’t all bad. Or completely terrifying.

1st Quarter

I wouldn’t panic too much about the offensive results from Friday’s “mock gameplan” game. The Chiefs were running their plays but weren’t arriving at them creatively. The game looked a lot different than what we would see in a regular season game. Very few shifts and motions, not a ton of the usual Andy Reid misdirection plays. They’d be more creative in generating yards if the game were real.

The Chiefs had some good moments running the ball. Left something to be desired in short yardage though.

The drops were the biggest but also the most fixable problem. We all would have a few more warm fuzzy feelings if just that was better.

Defensively, the run fits were concerning. However, the Chiefs two best edge setters didn’t play. The next time we see them is Foxborough.

De’Anthony Thomas’ career has been an odd one, and not just because of the “will he, won’t he” questions about whether he was going to keep playing. Tyreek Hill is doing most of the things they envisioned for Thomas, but better. He ate in to Thomas’ usage last year, but for his career he’s been productive with the chances he’s got. He still has value in this league and on this team, but it’s on Reid to figure out how to use him. Kick returns is an obvious opportunity, but we’ll see beyond that.

2nd Quarter

Rakeem Nunez-Roches’ burst. Whew. That is all.

Frank Zombo had a rough day on a lot of fronts (no pun intended). Set some soft edges, got lost a couple times and that near tipped pass.

Kareem Hunt can handle the load in Spencer Ware’s absence. His balance flashed again. His level of ability in that regard is rare. I love watching him play.

The first team was down 16-10 after a poor performance. A few drops away from being up. Alex Smith’s day would look a lot better if a few of those drops were catches. Wasn’t perfect, but he did some good things.

3rd Quarter

Early second half was Chris Jones’ time to shine. He worked over a few Seattle starting OL. His pad level was a little high in the first half, but he settled in after the break and looked like his old self.

OL 7 (and if they take one more, 8) are the spots I’m most worried about. Parker Ehinger will have no problem taking his old job, Zach Fulton is a fine 6th lineman. Beyond that, Witzmann, Reid, etc. have me nervous.

One good thing we haven’t seen: a Patrick Mahomes interception.

One interesting thing we haven’t seen: Mahomes take 3, 5 or 7 step drop from under center. Through three games the only pass attempts from Mahomes have come out of shotgun, play action or boot action. No true drops from under center.

We saw what we’ve seen the first two games with Mahomes. Flashed his ability, while showing some lack of refinement. The most important thing though is the traits we like in him are still there even though he’s learning a new style and system. He’s well on his way. More coming next week on that.

Mahomes’ stat line might have looked better without a few instances of miscommunication. Marcus Kemp and Jehu Chesson. A pass interference call spoiled a pretty well placed ball to Chesson as well.

I mentioned a few weeks ago that Earl Okine may be running out of chances. He’s a freak of nature athletically, but he looked lost most of Friday night. He doesn’t appear to have a plan as a pass rusher, struggled to read run plays and set the edge, and wasn’t able to use his athleticism to his advantage. As an older project, the clock is ticking.

4th Quarter

Ukeme Eligwe continues to impress me. Not that he’s making splash plays all over the field, just that he’s been very sound for the most part. Other than overrunning one play, he’s been patient, smart and instinctive. He reacts to what he sees, and what he is seeing seems to be pretty slowed down for a rookie. I hope he continues to build on that.

Eric Murray had to have led the team in snaps on Friday. I believe he played in all four quarters. I don’t think that’s a bad thing for a guy who didn’t get a ton of defensive snaps under his belt last year. Late in the game they moved him around a little bit in the secondary as well.

I don’t think Demarcus Robinson played in the first half. If he did, he didn’t do anything. Seems like he might’ve got pushed down the depth chart a little. Tyler Bray gave him a few targets at the end of the game though.

Gehrig Dieter, practice squad member. You heard it here first-ish. Productive in his chances, good in special teams. Give that guy a longer look.

NEW: Join Arrowhead Pride Premier

If you love Arrowhead Pride, you won’t want to miss Pete Sweeney in your inbox each week as he delivers deep analysis and insights on the Chiefs' path to the Super Bowl.