The Kansas City Chiefs’ reign over the top spot in the Touchdown Wire power rankings didn’t last long. Two weeks after reclaiming the top spot, they’ve tumbled once again, this time to their lowest ranking of the season. After watching the Chiefs fall to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5, well, it’s hard to be shocked that they’re represented this way in the power rankings.
Doug Farrar explained it all very succinctly:
“The Chiefs came up uncharacteristically short in their 40-32 loss to the Raiders. Not only was Patrick Mahomes out-dueled by Derek Carr, but the Chiefs’ defense, which had ranked first overall in Football Outsiders’ opponent-adjusted metrics, had no answer for rookie speed receiver Henry Ruggs. Does this speak to a larger problem? Not likely — defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will likely firm up the coverage busts, and had this touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill not been negated by a holding penalty, this game could have gone a different way. This was also perhaps the most ridiculous throw Mahomes has ever made in a career that’s already full of them.”
Steve Spagnuolo’s defense had a dominant first quarter of the season but laid an egg against the Raiders in Week 5. They surrendered the most points they’ve ever surrendered in a single game since Spags took over as defensive coordinator in 2019. They surrendered big plays and had too many penalties, but they also failed to get pressure against Raiders QB Derek Carr. Not exactly what people would describe as a recipe for defensive success in the NFL.
As for the offense, they couldn’t get things clicking, especially in the third quarter after Sammy Watkins left the game with a hamstring injury. The good news, as Farrar said, this game was uncharacteristic for Kansas City. They have a long week to get ready and clean things up for a Buffalo Bills team that also fell short of expectations in Week 5. That should make for a thrilling game on Monday in Week 6.
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