Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Addresses Offensive Struggles After Broncos Loss
Frustration is palpable in Chiefs Kingdom as the team grapples with playoff implications. Following a narrow 22-19 defeat to the Denver Broncos on November 16, the Chiefs find themselves at a precarious 5-5 this season.
Head coach Andy Reid faced questions about his offense's lack of balance, particularly after the team managed only 14 rushing attempts against Denver. “We’re calling quite a few of the [run-pass options],” Reid stated during a press conference on November 17. “Yesterday, they were giving us opportunities to throw the football. So we utilized the opportunities there.”
Reid elaborated, “The runs are being called. Sometimes they get turned into passes in today’s world. That’s how it goes.” This comment highlights the strategic flexibility given to quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who opted for passing plays more frequently during the game.
Mahomes completed 29 of 45 passes, throwing for one touchdown and one interception. Reflecting on his performance, he acknowledged early mistakes, including a significant overthrow of wide receiver Xavier Worthy in the first quarter. “I’ve just got to make the throw,” Mahomes admitted. “There’s no other way around it.”
He continued, “I think we’re really talented and we’ve got a lot of great players, but it’s about being more consistent. I think it starts with me.” Mahomes recognized that while there are moments of offensive fluidity, inconsistencies plague their performance.
The loss to the Broncos places the Chiefs three games behind AFC West leaders Denver and outside the current playoff picture. ESPN has assessed Kansas City’s chances of missing the postseason at 44.6 percent following this weekend's games.
Tight end Travis Kelce, who set a franchise record for all-time touchdown receptions during the game, declined to speak with reporters afterward, reflecting the team's mounting pressure.
Despite rising tensions, Reid remains composed. “We’re not quite as negative as the outside world is here,” he remarked on Monday. “We know what we need to clean up. And we need to do it. But the guys—they get it. I mean, some of these guys have been through some pretty good seasons. And this isn’t like this one’s lost.”
He emphasized the need for urgency moving forward: “We’ve just got to clean up a few of these things. And the urgency level—obviously we need to make sure we take care of that now.”
The Chiefs will face another formidable challenge on November 23 when they host the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts, currently boasting an 8-2 record.
