The Kansas City Chiefs are adapting to injuries on offense by finding solutions within their current roster…
As the team enters the bye week, they must reassess their offensive strategy. Key playmakers like wide receivers Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown are sidelined indefinitely, while running back Isiah Pacheco is also recovering from an injury. Although a new acquisition could be an option, it’s not guaranteed, so head coach Andy Reid and the offensive staff are working to adjust the existing roster by tweaking schemes and play-calling, which began during the Chiefs’ Week 5 win over the New Orleans Saints.
Running Game Adjustments:
With Pacheco out, Kareem Hunt has taken over as the lead running back. This has shifted the Chiefs’ approach to more zone runs, as opposed to the power-run schemes they previously favored for Pacheco. Hunt’s running style, characterized by elusiveness and power, fits well with zone plays, but this comes at the cost of fewer explosive runs. For example, none of Hunt’s 27 carries in Week 5 went beyond eight yards. The Chiefs’ run-pass options (RPOs) allow Patrick Mahomes to pass when the defense presents a favorable look, though this can sometimes lead to missed opportunities, as seen in a red-zone interception against the Saints.
Increased Tight End Usage:
The Chiefs have also leaned more heavily on their tight ends. During the game against the Saints, tight ends Noah Gray, Jared Wiley, and Travis Kelce saw significant playing time. Kelce had his best game of the season in terms of targets and receptions. The team even used 14 personnel (four tight ends, one running back) in certain plays, which helped create space for Kelce to make key plays. This heavier personnel package forces opposing defenses to use more linebackers, reducing coverage abilities, making tight ends a focal point of the passing attack.
Adjusting Rashee Rice’s Role:
With Rashee Rice out, JuJu Smith-Schuster has stepped into a similar role. He led the wide receivers in targets, receptions, and yards in the Week 5 victory. Like Rice, Smith-Schuster excels at beating zone coverage, though he may not offer the same after-the-catch explosiveness. Meanwhile, Mecole Hardman is helping fill the void left by Rice in quick screen plays, catching four screen passes for 33 yards and two first downs against New Orleans.
In summary, the Chiefs are using a combination of adjustments in the running game, more reliance on tight ends, and redistributing wide receiver responsibilities to adapt to the absence of key offensive players.
