The Kansas City Chiefs started the 2023 season 0-1 and alarm bells were ringing. However, after their first game of the 2024 season, the team has flipped that record on its head, as the Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens in the season opener.
That said, there are some reasons for concern with for Kansas City.
Here’s a look at three takeaways about the state of the Chiefs following their Week 1 survival against the Ravens.
Patrick Mahomes’ regular season decline might continue
Say what you will about Patrick Mahomes in the regular season, but he has been lights out in the playoffs. Still, it could be an even rougher season for the Chiefs quarterback in 2024 after a strong downtick in 2023. After throwing for 41 touchdowns in 2022, Mahomes threw for just 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions last season.
This year, after one game, Mahomes has thrown for one touchdown and one interception. The interception also did not pass the eye test, with the ball sailing directly to a wide-open defender with seemingly no receivers around.
There is a long season ahead, but it was far from encouraging for a quarterback of Mahomes’ talent.
Travis Kelce in better shape than at this time last year
Travis Kelce missed the season opener entirely last year. As such, by default, his presence and ability to finish the game is a step up over 2023.
After one game, Kelce is now three catches and 34 yards ahead of where he was last season. Had this game been added to his 2023 numbers, Kelce would have been a 1000-yard pass catcher. As such, 1000 yards might be back on the menu this year for those hoping to see it.
Of course, with it being such a young season, anything can happen. That said, putting up 34 yards and three receptions isn’t quite what Kelce fantasy managers were hoping for. This potentially sets the tone for a slower season for the tight end.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ pass rush is no joke
One can tip their cap to Lamar Jackson for playing an impressive fourth quarter. However, the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense came in clutch when it mattered most. With the game on the line, the pass rush was able to get to Jackson just enough to pressure him into missing a wide-open receiver on the penultimate play of the game.
It wasn’t the first play that Jackson was pressured in, either. Whether it was Derrick Henry or Jackson, the Ravens had a shockingly difficult time running the ball for a team that considers itself “run-first.”
As such, in addition to the usual suspects, the team’s defense can be counted on to step up in critical situations, which hasn’t always been possible in the Mahomes era.
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