With three games remaining and a 6–8 record, the Kansas City Chiefs already focus on closing a disappointing season. The playoff door is shut, and the once-feared offense now ranks 31st in explosive plays. The diagnosis goes beyond talent. It targets the philosophy that took them to the top. On Ross Tucker’s podcast, analyst Greg Cosell was blunt: the issue is not effort, but structure—or the lack of it.
Cosell explained that the offense strays too often from its foundation. He pointed to Patrick Mahomes as the system’s axis, while stressing this is not a personal indictment. The margin between off-script brilliance and inconsistency is thin, and the Chiefs crossed it too many times this year.
“There’s a very fine line between playing outside the structure and being great, which Mahomes is, and then playing within the offensive structure. As great as Mahomes is outside the structure, it’s extremely difficult to be consistent that way… and I don’t blame Patrick Mahomes. Obviously, the offensive line had issues.”
Andy Reid manages a marginless finish
According to EssentiallySports, the numbers support the critique. Kansas City ranks 28th in rushing rate and leads the league in pass rate in neutral situations. When they run, most plays are RPOs, with Mahomes deciding to throw or hand off. Early in his career, that approach stressed defenses. Now, defenses have adjusted. The Chiefs rank 12th in rushing success rate (41.3 percent) but 31st in explosive-play rate (5.4 percent).
We have so much to be grateful for. If you had told me seven years ago that the Chiefs would win three Super Bowls, including back‑to‑back championships I would have thought it impossible. Mahomes comeback is going to be movie. I can’t wait for the next chapter of our journey. pic.twitter.com/OlsSbrMiHL
— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) December 17, 2025
The best shotgun rushing attacks usually feature mobile quarterbacks who tilt the math. With RPOs, the advantage should persist. Instead, development is slower and chaos no longer appears. Another problem compounds it: injuries. Andy Reid was clear with reporters. Several players missed practice, including Leo Chenal and Derrick Nnadi. The list also includes Trent McDuffie, Tyquan Thornton, Rashee Rice, Jaylon Moore, and Jawaan Taylor. Arrowhead cannot afford that depth loss.
With Mahomes sidelined, Gardner Minshew takes the keys. He knows the role and can survive Sundays. Reid will ask for management and control. Pride becomes the immediate goal. They host a struggling Tennessee Titans team, but context offers no relief. Even a win changes little. It only affects draft position. This is where the Chiefs stand: managing injuries, playing for pride, and waiting for answers that will come later.
