How the Chiefs have solved their receiver drop problems at the perfect time

The Chiefs appear to have solved their formerly massive receiver drop issues, which bodes well for Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LVIII.

LAS VEGAS — Several members of the Kansas City Chiefs’ organization have talked this week about how the team’s 20-17 Week 16 Christmas Day loss to the Las Vegas Raiders as a turning point for the rest of the season. It was a wake-up call for a lot of people, not least a receiver group that had let Patrick Mahomes down more than once with iffy routes and infuriating dropped passes.

In that game, Mahomes couldn’t even trust Travis Kelce, his best buddy, who had two killer drops. Both were on simple short passes, and while both came on first down so they didn’t kill any drives per se, it would have been better if Kelce had caught them.

There was this drop with 11:21 left in the first quarter on an easy flat route…

…and this one with 10:38 left in the game, which probably prevented a touchdown.

The Chiefs were down 20-7 at the time, and were unable to get any points on the drive when Mahomes failed to connect with receiver Rashee Rice from the Las Vegas seven-yard line. There, cornerback Amik Robertson was all over Rice, but it could be argued that the rookie still could have taken the ball in.

This may have been the nadir of the Chiefs’ offense through the season, and those drops personified a serious problem that had reared its ugly head over and over. Per Fantasy Points Data, Mahomes had lost a league-high 386 passing yards to receiver drops in the regular season.

However, through the Chiefs’ three playoff games, the Chiefs have “robbed” Mahomes of just 40 passing yards on drops — which means that things have changed in the right way at the right time.

What’s changed?

“If you watch the receivers every single day, they’re catching on the side when the defense is up, they’re catching after practice, they’re catching before practice,” Mahomes said this week. “I remember I was walking to lunch one day and Skyy [Moore] was out there catching by himself. Those guys have that mindset that they’re going to continue to get better. That’s been throughout the whole entire team. We’re not wasting any moments in practice, guys are working on the side, we’re trying to get better, and we’re not going to let that slide this week either, we’re going to try to do the same thing going into the Super Bowl.”

Well, it’s trending up when the Chiefs need it the most.

Chiefs activate WR Skyy Moore, place DL Charles Omenihu on injured reserve

The #Chiefs activated Skyy Moore and placed Charles Omenihu on injured reserve ahead of their Super Bowl LVIII matchup against the #49ers.

The Kansas City Chiefs made two key roster moves on Wednesday night ahead of their February 11 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Second-year wide receiver Skyy Moore was activated for the Chiefs’ championship bout with the 49ers, and veteran defensive lineman Charles Omenihu was placed on injured reserve after injuring his knee against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game.

Moore was a contributor in Kansas City’s Super Bowl LVII win over the Philadelphia Eagles and could play a role in Andy Reid’s game plan against San Francisco on Sunday.

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Omenihu joined the Chiefs as a free agent in the 2023 offseason and was among Kansas City’s most productive pass rushers after missing the team’s first six games due to a suspension.

Expect both of these moves to play a factor in the Chiefs’ approach to Super Bowl LVIII on both sides of the ball.

Chiefs’ Joe Thuney, Derrick Nnadi are officially out vs. Ravens in AFC Championship Game

Chiefs’ Joe Thuney, Derrick Nnadi are officially out vs. Ravens in AFC Championship Game

The final injury report has been released for the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of their AFC Championship Game with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

The Chiefs have officially ruled out offensive guard Joe Thuney and defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi on Friday before the team’s trip to Baltimore. Wide receiver Skyy Moore and offensive lineman Prince Tega Wanogho are also ruled out. Mike Edwards (concussion), Isiah Pacheco (ankle/toe), Willie Gay (neck), and Kadarius Toney (hip) are listed as questionable as they continue to be evaluated before kickoff.

Thuney’s pectoral injury will hold him out, while Nnadi’s triceps will keep him sidelined for a second consecutive postseason game. Neither player had practiced this week.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid shared his thoughts on Gay’s injury status and the importance of having him in the lineup earlier in the week’s press conference.

“Willie is a big part of our defense,” said Reid. “I would not slight Drue (Tranquill) for the job he did coming in, but Willie is a good player. He’s part of the success that we’ve had.”

Toney has been a limited participant in practice this week. He missed the previous five games, not seeing game action in over a month.

Chiefs downgrade WR Kadarius Toney’s status to out vs. Bills

Chiefs downgrade WR Kadarius Toney’s status to out vs. Bills

The grind of the NFL regular season continues to take a toll on the Kansas City Chiefs as several players are listed on their injury report with various designations ahead of Sunday night’s divisional round matchup with the Buffalo Bills. The team announced on Saturday some status changes that should affect the lineup in Buffalo as key players are expected to be sidelined due to nagging injuries.

Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney will miss his fifth consecutive game due to hip and ankle injuries as the team has officially ruled him out for Sunday night. Toney won’t have the opportunity to redeem himself on the field following the infamous offensive offsides penalty in the teams week 14 game halting a potential Chiefs comeback victory. He’s been bothered by multiple injuries throughout the season including knee surgery at the start of training camp, finishing the 2023 campaign with 169 yards and a touchdown on 27 receptions.

On Saturday, the team also announced that defensive end Charles Omenihu is now questionable battling an illness and linebacker Willie Gay is questionable due to a neck injury. Gay was a limited participant in practice on Friday while wide receiver Justyn Ross remains questionable with a hamstring injury limiting his work in practice throughout the week.

Skyy Moore, Wanya Morris and Derrick Nnadi were ruled out on Friday according to head coach Andy Reid. Moore had been on injured reserve due to a knee injury but practiced on a limited basis this week, Morris remains in concussion protocol and Nnadi missed practice all week due to a triceps injury.   

Chiefs designate WR Skyy Moore to return from injured reserve

The #Chiefs opened the 21-day practice window for second-year WR Skyy Moore to return from injured reserve.

The Kansas City Chiefs saw a key playmaker return to practice on Wednesday when the team opened the 21-day practice window for second-year wide receiver Skyy Moore.

A second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Moore got off to a rocky start in 2023 before sustaining a knee injury that held him out since early December.

While it is unclear whether Kansas City intends to have Moore return to the field before the playoffs end, his inclusion in practice is a good sign for the former Western Michigan Bronco.

The Chiefs need all the help they can get at the wide receiver position after underwhelming 2023 campaigns from Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson, and Kadarius Toney.

Moore caught a touchdown pass in Super Bowl LVII that helped lift Kansas City to its second championship of the Patrick Mahomes era, and could be an asset for the team with the playoff experience he gained as a rookie last season.

Twitter reacts to Skyy Moore’s placement on Chiefs’ injured reserve list

Fans took to Twitter to express their feelings about #Chiefs WR Skyy Moore’s placement on Kansas City’s injured reserve list.

Skyy Moore has had a rocky start to his NFL career after being selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft. The modest production he has managed hasn’t impressed many fans who had hoped Moore could blossom into one of Patrick Mahomes’ top targets in 2023.

The former Western Michigan Bronco was placed on Kansas City’s injured reserve list on Monday after the Chiefs’ Week 15 victory over the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusets. Moore only saw the field in 25 percent of Kansas City’s offensive snaps against the Patriots and wasn’t targeted by Mahomes in the game.

Fans on social media made their voices heard regarding Moore’s placement on the Chiefs’ injured reserve list and didn’t hold back in expressing their thoughts about the mercurial second-year receiver’s contributions to the team this season.

Check out some of Twitter’s top reactions to Kansas City’s latest roster move below:

Chiefs place WR Skyy Moore on injured reserve

The #Chiefs placed second-year wide receiver Skyy Moore on their injured reserve list on Monday.

The Kansas City Chiefs placed second-year wide receiver Skyy Moore on their injured reserve list on Monday after beating the New England Patriots in Week 15.

Moore’s placement on the injured reserve list will keep him out for at least four weeks as he recovers from a knee injury that limited his use against New England.

With Moore’s spot on the 53-man roster open, preseason standout Justyn Ross is expected to fill the gap at the receiver position on Kansas City’s depth chart, which could lead to increased playing time for the former Clemson star.

While this move may not have massive implications for the Chiefs offense in Week 16, it could have serious ramifications in the playoffs if Kansas City has to face a defense with a formidable secondary.

Moore may not have been the Chiefs’ most productive pass catcher, but without him on the field, Kansas City will lose one of Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted targets at a time when the receiver position has become the object of serious concern.

Chiefs stock watch: Which players impressed during Week 13 vs. Packers?

Here’s a look at the stock trends for some #Chiefs players after the Week 13 loss to the #Packers. | from: @EdEastonJr

The expected cold and wintery weather at Lambeau Field was in play on Sunday night as the legendary setting lived up to its billing. In front of celebrities supporting both sides, the Kansas City Chiefs fell short on the road to the Green Bay Packers.

Mahomes picked up where he left off last week with another efficient performance through the air, except for the late fourth-quarter interception. The offense, however, was sparked by starting running back Isiah Pacheco’s bruising runs, pushing the Packers’ defense to its limits.

The injury of left tackle Donovan Smith forced rookie Wanya Morris to step in and play against a tremendous Green Bay pass rush. Rashee Rice has established himself as the go-to wide receiver of the room, while Travis Kelce racked up the yards per reception.

The defense struggled with injuries, losing Drue Tranquill and Bryan Cook to significant injuries during the game. The injuries immediately affected the secondary as Jordan Love successfully connected on multiple big pass plays to his wide receivers. The defensive line secured sacks with Mike Danna and Chris Jones as the Packers’ offensive line held solid most of the night.

The Chiefs fail to reach nine wins as they continue to battle with multiple teams in the AFC for a potential first-round bye in the postseason.

Here’s a look at how the stock is trending for some players after the Week 13 victory at Lambeau Field:

Week 11 picks: Who the experts are taking in Eagles vs. Chiefs

Philadelphia and Kansas City are just days away from a Monday night showdown and we’re looking at who the NFL experts are picking in Eagles vs. Chiefs

After a bye week that should allow both teams a renewed freshness, the Eagles and Chiefs are set for a semi-Super Bowl rematch at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

The two teams last met on Feb. 12 in Super Bowl LVII.

Kansas City defeated Philadelphia 38-35 in that matchup to earn their third Lombardi Trophy in franchise history. The Chiefs enter Monday’s matchup on top of the AFC with a 7-2 record after defeating the Miami Dolphins 21-14 in Germany on Nov. 5.

Kansas City is looking to lock up an eighth-straight AFC West title.

Philadelphia is 8-1 and on top of the NFC East after a 33-28 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9.

With kickoff fast approaching, we’re looking at who the NFL experts are picking.

Skyy Moore expects more of himself and Chiefs’ offense moving forward

#Chiefs WR Skyy Moore told reporters that he expects more from himself and Kansas City’s offense as a whole after a tough loss to the Broncos

Second-year wideout Skyy Moore and the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs’ receiving corps have had an underwhelming start to their 2023.

In the offseason, there was a buzz around Moore and the potential for that the Chiefs’ receivers might be able to take a serious step forward, but that has yet to happen.

Moore and the Chiefs’ offense struggled mightily against the Broncos in week eight, but Moore expects more of himself and the team heading into week nine.

“Yeah, [I need to] just do a better job of finishing the opportunities that I get,” Moore said in comments to the media on Thursday. “When they come, just make the play.”

The 23-year-old receiver was asked if the rotation amongst the receivers causes any issues finding a rhythm. Moore believes it is beneficial to the receivers.

“I don’t really see it as a challenge,” Moore explained. “We’re hitting – everybody is getting in, it’s seven totally different receivers, so new weapons each play.”

Week eight was certainly a disappointment offensively, but Moore expects this offense to be on the same page against the Dolphins in Germany.

“I would expect us to come out firing on all cylinders,” Moore continued. “I feel like every position group knows what they have to do, and we’re going to hone into the details and get the job done.”

The Chiefs will have to be locked in on both sides of the ball against a surging Dolphins team that is averaging 33.9 points per game.