Is Chiefs Nation Crumbling After Losing Start?
This Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Mahomes find themselves in uncharted territory.
Following missing out on an NFL championship third straight title in February, the team have lost the first two contests this 2025 campaign.
This marks the initial occasion the Chiefs have made an 0-2 start since 2014 – before selecting Mahomes and their multiple Super Bowl wins under coach Andy Reid.
There are now major concerns regarding Kansas City's postseason prospects – since after the NFL merger, only 10.1% of teams that have made an 0-2 beginning have gone on to make the post-season.
The quarterback has welcomed this adversity, saying: "When you hit adversity, it's about responding with it. I'm excited to the next few weeks to see who wants to be challenged, and how we can get back and really compete aggressively."
What's Gone Wrong With the Chiefs?
The team entered 2025 having claimed an NFL-record 17 consecutive victories in close matchups – when the difference was eight points or fewer.
However the Chiefs have lost that knack, falling 27-21 in week one against their divisional rivals, then 20-17 during the recent Super Bowl rematch versus Philadelphia.
Questionable decision-making and a lack critical personnel are additional factors for Kansas City's winless beginning.
A key offensive weapon is serving a six-game ban while a teammate dislocated shoulder during the Chiefs' initial possession in Week 1.
Health issues additionally impacted the defensive unit, causing more complications for their initial results.
What Changes Have the Chiefs Require?
Arguably the important area on defence is offensive tackle, particularly on the quarterback's weak side.
Following the QB was sacked repeatedly in the Super Bowl, management addressed that by selecting a new lineman with their top selection.
Additionally, they brought in an experienced player from a different NFL team.
The team must find an answer in their run game – because following being a key rusher in 2024, Mahomes now the team's rushing leader.
That places him at greater danger physically, an scenario which coaches want to avoid.
Did the Chiefs Lowered Expectations?
An important offensive player rejoined practice recently so may return this weekend's nationally televised game.
The Chiefs then face another challenging team soon, and are now playing make up ground in the AFC West.
"The Chiefs enter into this game knowing rest coming up knowing every one is a critical victory, because the Chargers jumped ahead by two wins on them," commented a observer.
"But the Chiefs rise to big moments during times everyone's starting to doubt them."
Should the Chiefs miss out on a 10th consecutive division crown, they can still reach the postseason by earning enough wins for an alternate spot.
"There's competitive balance," stated a separate pundit. "When a team ends up at the bottom, they get to pick first in the draft."
"But with got Patrick Mahomes at the helm plus a legendary coach, one of the greatest managers in NFL ever, in my view you always remain hopeful."
"I just think maybe the goalpost shifted regarding success appears to be this season."
