Worry not, devoted readers of our 5 Questions preview collection, we’re again for one more installment after every week off—it wasn’t solely the Cincinnati Bengals that pulled a no-show final week. This week, we had an opportunity to talk with Maurice Elston, a contributor over at Arrowhead Satisfaction, to present us some perception into the rocky begin for the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, how Patrick Mahomes’ legs are creating a special for the offense, and what the Chiefs’ protection—led by the revered Steve Spagnuolo—may have in retailer for the Detroit Lions on “Sunday Evening Soccer.”
1. All discussions concerning the Chiefs begin with their franchise quarterback, however as a substitute of speaking about Patrick Mahomes throwing the soccer, let’s discuss a really fascinating growth this season in Kansas Metropolis: he’s been extra lively as a runner this 12 months, his ninth NFL season, than he has in another season. He has 183 yards on scrambles this season, second within the NFL to solely Josh Allen (195), and he’s the main rusher for the Chiefs this season.
On one hand, that must be considerably of an intriguing growth to make him an much more dynamic menace, however that hardly appears to be a sustainable mannequin for achievement on offense transferring ahead. What wants to vary in Kansas Metropolis for the Chiefs’ offense to return to type, which working again do you suppose they will flip to assist on the bottom, and the way possible is that to occur as quickly as this weekend towards the Lions?
“Patrick Mahomes main the crew in speeding is just not a sustainable mannequin, and it’s definitely not what the Chiefs need to depend on long-term. Although he had 60 yards on the bottom towards Jacksonville, that recreation additionally marked essentially the most balanced speeding efficiency Kansas Metropolis has had this season. Between Isaiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Brashard Smith, the Chiefs ran for 89 yards on 15 carries—a powerful 5.9-yard common.
If that trio can persistently mix for round 90 yards a recreation, the Chiefs would gladly take it. I don’t see one again taking up the workload solely; it’ll be a real three-headed committee transferring ahead. Smith ought to proceed incomes extra touches due to his explosiveness, however sustained stability is the true purpose. That degree of manufacturing would hold defenses trustworthy and take strain off Mahomes to hold the bottom recreation himself.”
2. However to circle again to the passing recreation, Mahomes is again to slinging it deep and taking photographs downfield. In keeping with NFL Professional, has tried deep passes (throws of 20+ air yards) on 13.1% of his passes in 2025, his highest fee since 2019.
What concerning the Chiefs offense this season has allowed Mahomes to be extra aggressive downfield? Is his offensive line giving him extra time to make these throws? Have they discovered the right combination of pass-catchers to do harm downfield? A change in method to route ideas? Some mixture of those elements?
“It’s actually been a mix of all these elements. The offensive line has performed a serious function—that is the most effective safety Mahomes has had on the left facet since Eric Fisher. The guard play, notably from Kingsley, has additionally improved every week. That’s given Mahomes confidence to remain within the pocket longer and let performs develop.
There’s additionally been a shift in mindset. Mahomes has made some extent to push the ball downfield extra this 12 months, and that belief in his receivers has grown noticeably. In previous seasons, inconsistency on the offensive line and a scarcity of chemistry together with his targets compelled him to eliminate the ball shortly. Now, he’s snug letting his receivers make performs in one-on-one conditions. The final two video games, particularly, have proven that the deep passing recreation is beginning to reemerge as an actual weapon.”
3. After ending fourth within the NFL in blitz fee final 12 months (31.6%) based on Professional Soccer Reference, Steve Spagnuolo and the Chiefs protection are barely much less aggressive via 5 video games in 2025 (26.4%).
Jared Goff has been notably efficient towards the blitz this 12 months: 73.2% completion fee (third), 9.9 yards per try (fourth), and a 143.7 passer ranking (first). Can the Chiefs get strain sending 4? Do you see Spag having to get inventive and extra selective when turning to the blitz towards the Lions?
“Proper now, the Chiefs can’t generate constant strain with simply 4. That’s been their largest defensive concern this season. After they’re not blitzing, the cross rush merely isn’t getting residence usually sufficient. Steve Spagnuolo will completely should get inventive towards Jared Goff—disguising pressures, mixing coverages, and forcing him off his first learn shall be vital.
The problem, in fact, is that Goff has been glorious towards the blitz. Which means if Spagnuolo dials it up, the protection behind it must be hermetic. Anticipate him to deliver strain selectively and design extra unique appears moderately than counting on simple rushes. Exterior of Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, nobody has persistently received one-on-one matchups, so creativity would be the key to maintaining Goff uncomfortable.”
4. One other fascinating side of Spagnuolo’s protection is how a lot he depends on press-man protection. In keeping with NFL Professional, the Chiefs have used outdoors press protection on the highest fee within the league in six of the seven seasons Spagnuolo has been the crew’s defensive coordinator.
How have the Chiefs outdoors corners fared in protection this season, and the place is Kansas Metropolis vulnerable to getting beat within the passing recreation?
“Total, the corners have held up effectively. Trent McDuffie continues to play at an All-Professional degree—not often giving up something in his route. Jaylen Watson has been regular too, except for a number of lapses late in video games. The most important shock has been rookie Nohl Williams, who’s flashed robust protection skill when given alternatives, although his defensive snaps had been restricted final week.
If there’s a vulnerability, it’s with the safeties and linebackers in man protection. After they’re matched up one-on-one towards tight ends or slot receivers, that’s the place Kansas Metropolis tends to get uncovered. The corners have been stable on the skin, however tighter execution in these inside matchups shall be vital towards a crew like Detroit that thrives on crossing routes and play-action throws.”
5. The Lions are nonetheless looking for their footing as a crew dedicated to working the soccer however with loads of new faces alongside the offensive line.
The Chiefs rank thirty first in ESPN’s run-stop win fee and thirtieth in run protection DVOA. What’s working and what’s not working in Kansas Metropolis’s effort to defend the run?
“Regardless of the rankings, the Chiefs’ run protection has quietly improved in latest weeks. They held Saquon Barkley to 60 yards, Derrick Henry to 42, and Travis Etienne to only 49. Exterior of an extended 71-yard run by Justice Hill towards Baltimore, they’ve performed a significantly better job limiting explosive performs.
The most important enchancment has come from the linebackers and safeties taking part in extra aggressively downhill. After they assault gaps and keep disciplined, the run protection appears robust. The primary problem stays tackling—too many missed tackles on first contact have turned quick positive aspects into chunk performs. If they will clear that up and proceed taking part in quick and bodily, they’ll be much more constant. Sunday shall be one other check, although, with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs providing two very totally different challenges out of Detroit’s backfield.”
