Shifting from a looming three-peat to shocking mincemeat surely wasn’t in the Kansas City Chiefs’ playbook Sunday.
Of course, that’s what happened before a worldwide audience in Super Bowl LIX, as the Philadelphia Eagles led by as many as 34 points en route to a 40-22 runaway.
Chiefs Kingdom has been ransacked! There are cracks in the surface! And Patrick Mahomes, GOAT? Talk about a baaaad take!
Chiefs haters delighted in the defeat, with many feeling it signified the end of the team’s dynasty. Truth is, KC can keep that reign afloat by successfully navigating a crucial offseason.
Before examining what faces the franchise, beginning with the waiting game on tight end Travis Kelce’s possible retirement, here’s an affirmation for the Chiefs: This, too, shall pass. Just remember who’s at the top—not of the NFL anymore, but the organization.
Somewhere along the way during the team’s dominant run of five Super Bowl appearances—including three victories—in the past six seasons, coach Andy Reid shed the dubious distinction of nice guy who can’t win the big one.
Still only 29, Mahomes remains the team’s quarterback and leader, and he doesn’t shy away from accountability.
“I take ownership in the loss, probably more than anyone in my career,” Mahomes said. “I put us in some bad spots.”
Indeed, Mahomes bundled three turnovers and was sacked six times by an Eagles’ defense that dominated the line of scrimmage.
“There’s times when guys aren’t open, I need to throw the ball away or check it down and let guys make plays happen,” he said. “Sometimes, I get to where I want to make a big play to spark us. That’s something I’ve dealt with my entire career. If I don’t show I’ll take what’s there in the game, the defenses are going to stay in the coverages they’re in.”
On a smaller scale, the Chiefs’ return to February glory starts with lessons learned from this Super debacle.
Philadelphia had its way up front on both sides of the ball, and the defensive side of that equation showed not just holes in the line but a lack of a big-play receiver beyond rookie Xavier Worthy and an inconsistent running game.
Veteran DeAndre Hopkins was quiet in the playoffs after modest contributions following his midseason acquisition, leaving the Chiefs likely to go outside the organization for a needed outside threat. They’ve had a revolving door at receiver in recent seasons but managed to win.
With right guard Trey Smith expected to land a prolific payday in free agency, the O-line could take an offseason hit if Smith decides against a likely hometown discount given the Chiefs’ salary cap constraints.
Key defenders Nick Bolton, Charles Omenihu, and Justin Reid also are approaching free agency, adding to the team’s decisions.
Kelce still is under contract for the 2025 season, and his off-field talents and exploits are well-publicized. The team has Noah Gray should Kelce retire, but his pass-catching abilities aren’t as proven. Sure, Kelce was a non-factor in the Super Bowl, but his recent pedigree is hard to debate, no matter how much you resent his commercials and significant other.
If Kelce stays, here’s guessing we won’t see sudden cutaways to Taylor Swift when the Chiefs are on the clock in the NFL Draft. There’ll be plenty of urgency for general manager Brett Veach and Co. then as KC aims to refresh its roster with immediate contributors. Four of the team’s six draft picks are within the top 100.
“I feel like we’re going to be back,” Worthy said. “Use this as fuel; use this as motivation.”
The path back to the top won’t be easy, but the Chiefs’ core knows the way.
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