Kansas City came into the season having claimed a record 17 straight wins in one-score games – when the winning margin is eight points or fewer.
But they have lost that knack, losing 27-21 in week one to the Los Angeles Chargers, their divisional rivals, and 20-17 in last Sunday’s Super Bowl rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ed Easton Jr, senior writer for USA Today’s Chiefs Wire, told BBC Sport: “Chris Jones has always been great at defensive tackle, but he went for a sack on [Chargers quarterback] Justin Herbert when he just had to contain him. That’s really uncharacteristic, and a moment like that leads to a loss.
“Then you have Travis Kelce, as sure-handed as can be. He basically fumbles the ball [against the Eagles], it deflects off his hand and it’s intercepted. It changes the whole complexion of the game because if he catches that, it’s a touchdown and we’re probably not having this conversation.
“So when it comes down to those moments where you have to make big plays, they just haven’t done it in these first two games.”
Poor discipline and a lack of key personnel have also been factors in Kansas City’s slow start.
Rashee Rice is serving a six-game suspension and fellow receiver Xavier Worthy dislocated a shoulder on the Chiefs’ first drive of the season, while Kristian Fulton and now Mike Danna are injured on defence.
“The penalties have been racking up, a lot of them on right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who for the most part has been a disappointment since signing [in 2023],” Easton Jr added.
“Going through training camp and pre-season, Worthy was a part of so many more [offensive] schemes this year than last, so losing him threw them off. They really couldn’t get some flow against the Chargers until the second half and Tyquan Thornton’s not used to being a number one receiver.”
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