Chiefs Identity Crisis - Are Reid and Houston the fix?

Nov 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks to outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City found their groove with Andy Reid’s run-happy alter-ego calling plays in Oakland

The question is: Can Andy Reid stick with the offensive philosophy that paid off in Oakland?

The facts are straight forward. is that Reid has two backs that would start for nearly any other team in the NFL. Jamaal Charles cannot be compared to any other active running back, including Adrain Peterson. He is unique. His elite as he enters the peak of his career. He will likely finish that career with the best yards per carry in the sport’s history.

You cannot look past Spencer Ware either. Ware has progressed to the point that he would replace all but the top-5 runners across the league. Like Charles, he is an asset in the passing game nearly as much as he is running the ball. Currently, he has the 3rd most receiving yards of 2016, behind Jeremy marlin and Travis Kelce. Yet, he leads the team with 17.8 yards per reception, which is an NFL best for running backs (tied with Tevin Coelman).

Our old buddy Herbie Teope, now with the New Orleans Times Picayune, and Matt Derrick from ChiefsDigest.com are on our podcast to give to preview this week’s matchup with the Saints. Here’s the show:

This Kansas City offensive line is young and still developing at 4 of 5 positions. at this point, they are a drastically better run-blocking line than a pass-blocking line. They are built to run and what out a defense. Oakland proved that.

Reid used all of them both to great effect in Oakland. Reid shocked analysts (especially me) in calling a gameplan that was over 61% runs. It drained the Raiders defense. It helped his quarterback be both efficient and more aggressive in passing. It ate clock and kept Reid from one of his weak points in managing the clock.

It a winning plan for this team. All Reid has to do is stay focused on maintaining it. He can give this team a physical, athletic identity by sticking to it. It starts with New Orleans.

Justin Houston Returns to Chiefs Practice

In a slight surprise, Justin Houston returned to practice Wednesday. More than “football-related activities”, practice is a significant step in the right direction. Houston’s return can give the defense back its identity of a monstrous pass-rushing unit with an opportunistic secondary. In other words, he play and possibly his presence can bring balance to the Force.

It is still unlikely he will play against the Saints. However, there was one aspect of his first day back that stood out, at least to me. Houston was participating without any protective gear on his knee. No brace. No sleeve. It was not even wrapped. That is a positive indication of how they training staff and Houston himself feel about how healthy he is. Thanks to the Star’s Dave Eulitt for the pic.

Stat of the Week

86.4%. Yep, that is what Alex smith was able to do with time, fakes and a running game. If Reid can continue to maximize the offenses balance, Smith should be able to capitalize and be one of the NFL’s most efficient quarterbacks.

 
Next: Alex Smith shows he can be Ultra Efficient!

Oct 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) passes the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Smith improves as the Run Game Takes Off

One of the by products produced by the running game having such success shows up in the passing game. Its a classic strategy that the running game will help the play-action passing game, but it takes more than just rushing well. The quarterback is imperative too. Alex Smith noticeably improved in his pay-action fakes in Oakland. He can be very effective when he performs the play action like this. Here’s one example.

AFC West Power Rankings

Raiders Tumble and Chiefs rise this week in the AFC West. If the teams played today on a neutral field, this is how its plays out at this point in the season.

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