https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-in-danger-zone-with-impotent-offense-while-steelers-disappoint-on-defense-plus-3-nfl-closers
>Part of Kansas City's struggles can be attributed to the soft zone coverage opponents are utilizing against the Chiefs to eliminate downfield throws. Teams are essentially positioning their safeties in the stadium parking lot. Consequently, Mahomes has been forced into a dink-and-dunk mode that prioritizes YAC (yards after catch) on bubble screens and crossing routes. But with the Chiefs' current pass catchers unable to consistently break tackles or run away from defenders in the open field, the offense routinely stalls, underscoring the flaws of a station-to-station approach that requires extraordinary efficiency from the quarterback.
>To combat the light boxes and soft coverages, Kansas City needs a more effective running game. Putrid production from Isiah Pacheco (3.1 yards per carry) and Kareem Hunt (3.6 ypc) makes it sensible for opponents to continue to sit back in a conservative zone. The Chiefs' running back tandem lacks the juice and big-play potential to command plus-one boxes on early downs. As a result, Mahomes rarely sees single-high-safety looks with one-on-one coverage on the outside, leading to fewer downfield opportunities for an offense that desperately needs more chunk gains.
>Despite his aura as a three-time Super Bowl MVP, Mahomes cannot just put on his sparkly red shoes, click his heels and transform K.C.'s offense back into the old machine that was fun, flashy and fascinating to watch.