• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA

Were Chiefs Truly “Bored” This Season?

January 25, 2021
NFL Pioneer Irv Cross

Opinion: Farewell to Irv Cross, Pioneering TV Analyst

March 1, 2021
2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: EDGE Azeez Ojulari

2021 Raiders Mock Draft: Early March Edition

March 1, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy

Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy

February 28, 2021
2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Safety Jevon Holland

2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Safety Jevon Holland

February 28, 2021
“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

February 27, 2021
The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”

The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”

February 27, 2021
Who Is The Logical Choice To Replace Jerry West As The NBA Logo?

Who Is The Logical Choice To Replace Jerry West As The NBA Logo?

February 27, 2021
NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds

NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds

February 26, 2021
Lindor and Conforto Should Have Different Paths to Pay Dirt

Lindor and Conforto Should Have Different Paths to Pay Dirt

February 26, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Teven Jenkins

February 26, 2021
Dolphins Free Agents: Who Could Be on the Move?

Dolphins Free Agents: Who Could Be on the Move?

February 26, 2021
Giants Free-Agency Targets: WR Corey Davis

Giants Free-Agency Targets: WR Corey Davis

February 26, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Monday, March 1, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL AFC

Were Chiefs Truly “Bored” This Season?

Braden Holecek by Braden Holecek
January 25, 2021
in AFC, AFC Championship Game, AFC West, Kansas City Chiefs, NFL, NFL Featured, NFL Playoffs
Reading Time: 5min read
0

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills, AFC Championship Game- Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO., January 24th 2021. Photo credit: Jim Berry

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

It was theorized throughout parts of the 2020 regular season. Then, Travis Kelce did not hold back his honesty on how this season was viewed as inside the Kansas City Chiefs locker room. As the tight end said on Shannon Sharpe‘s podcast, Club Shay Shay, he talked about only thinking of the playoffs during the regular season.

“Alright yeah, we’re going to make the playoffs. Mentally, you say that to yourself, we’re going make the playoffs,” the Chiefs playmaker said. “Mentally, being able to lock in every single week, so that dream, that situation happens. That’s been the hardest thing.”

More FromFPC

NFL Pioneer Irv Cross

Opinion: Farewell to Irv Cross, Pioneering TV Analyst

March 1, 2021

2021 Raiders Mock Draft: Early March Edition

March 1, 2021

2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Safety Jevon Holland

February 28, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Teven Jenkins

February 26, 2021

In order to hone that patience, Kansas City had to work to stay sharp, while also fending off a larger target on their back. But, the AFC Championship Game win over the Buffalo Bills looked largely as nonchalant as it could have. The Chiefs offense was surely throwing in their patented inside shovel pass or other creative concepts. For the most part though, they were keeping it simple. And honestly, it looked fairly easy for the defending Super Bowl champions. Today, we will look back on some of the closer calls this season, playoff dominance and the foundation the Chiefs have built.

  • 2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Teven Jenkins
  • This Or That: Draft Wide Receiver Round 1 Or Later?
  • 2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Kadarius Toney
  • This Or That: Eric Fisher Or Mitchell Schwartz?
  • Staying Or Going: Chiefs 2021 Pending Free Agents

All Wins Are Not Created Equal

The laughable takes during the season were easy to find, regarding the Chiefs’ victories. It somehow was not good enough for them to just simply get the job done. If Kansas City was unable to defeat opponents by two or three scores, it was viewed as a failure. But, why? This is certainly not Alabama vs The Citadel for example, like we have seen in a normal college football season during the latter portion of the regular season.

So, when games against the likes of New England, Carolina, Denver and Miami are close, the negatives are the main focus. However, most of the Chiefs mistakes were not because of what the opponent did. It remains that true that Kansas City has to beat themselves, before you can get by them.

You also have to contextualize the opponents that gave the Chiefs a tougher battle. Despite the final regular season records of some of those aforementioned teams, they all do something well that is a challenge for the personnel of the Chiefs. New England won this year with power and a stout running game. Carolina has one of the more well-rounded set of weapons for a retooling franchise. With guys like Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore, Curtis Samuel and others combining with new offensive coordinator Joe Brady, the Panthers were a unit that could stress the defense in multiple ways. Denver saw a massive improvement in the trenches. And finally, Miami had one of their best seasons in a while, due to candid coaching and a refined roster.

Deficits And Strong Finishes

Let’s dive into these “close calls” a little further. An interesting stat I found from the Chiefs starts this season, was rather compelling. In the regular season, the opponent scored first in 11 of 16 games this season. The deficit was not always due to a touchdown, though. The bend-don’t-break defensive style was enough to hold the Chiefs over until they either improved in the game later, or in succeeding weeks. We also know that simply no deficit is too large to overcome for Andy Reid‘s squad.

In crucial situations or moments in games, this team practically gets more confident and stronger. Kansas City outscored the opponent 229-175 in the second half this season. Moreover, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and the rest of the offense is nearly perfect in crunch time. The game winning drive from the Chiefs offense in Vegas looked flawless, for instance. The game winner from Mahomes to Kelce was aided by a freelancing error by safety Johnathan Abram. However, not many other teams or quarterbacks can march down the field in seven plays in a minute and fifteen seconds quite like the Chiefs.

It is not just the gusto of the team in red and gold, it is just as awe-inspiring to see them generally make the correct reads or decisions. And, that is entirely the kind of feather in the cap for Coach Reid, who has long been criticized for clock management. Having the weapons and quarterback that he does at his disposal, have helped him become more bold and aggressive on crucial play calls.

Playoff Fortune Has Changed

For years, just making the playoffs was a major accomplishment for the Kansas City Chiefs franchise. Expecting the team to come up with postseason wins was a mere dream. That is why now, seeing their playoff dominance over the last few years, you can truly see how far the Chiefs have come since Reid’s first year in 2013. While they won a lot with Alex Smith and a ball control offense, Kansas City did not ultimately know how to win the big games. Finishing and executing took a lot of time to develop and mature. As that grew, the expectations started to shift to what we see now.

Since Mahomes took over, he holds a 6-1 record in the postseason. His lone loss is against the same quarterback whom he will face in Super Bowl LV in two weeks, oddly enough. Even when he left the Divisional Round game last week against Cleveland, the signal caller was looking as comfortable as ever. The late season difficulties for him and being in sync with the rest of the offense was pretty much forgotten. An aggressive Bills defense hardly fazed Mahomes and his teammates on offense. Though this season’s job is not done, not many could have envisioned what this Chiefs team has become or built.

Finding An Extra Gear

Finally, let’s go back to our original question. Were the Chiefs truly “bored” this season? Listening to Kelce’s comments and watching what the team did in the playoffs so far, it actually sounds pretty accurate. But, how?

This team obviously has one of the deeper rosters in the league. For example, Byron Pringle, Darrel Williams, Mike Remmers, Stefen Wisniewski and others stepped in to fill hefty roles. The Chiefs still found an extra gear regardless. Furthermore, Reid’s coaching prowess, along with stern assistants like Eric Bieniemy and Steve Spagnuolo put Kansas City near the top of the coaching ranks as well. As far as preparedness and remaining focused goes, not many other teams have the leaders like they do.

And eventually, there is just not enough gas or lengths that opponents can find. Clearly finding an extra gear is not attainable for other teams in the NFL. You either continue to win with the same game plan and style that got you to the dance. Or, you get bounced out of the playoffs due to a multitude of self errors or mistakes and being conservative. That is exactly what we saw in the AFC Championship Game from Buffalo. Meanwhile for Kansas City, it looked like they were directly rejuvenated from the week before. And now, the Chiefs are vying for their second straight Super Bowl victory. If successful, they would be the first NFL team to win it all in back to back years, since New England did it in 2003 and 2004.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs article throughout the week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.

Tags: AFC Championship Gamealex smithandy reidBuffalo BillsByron Pringlechristian mccaffreyCurtis SamuelDarrel Williamsdj mooreEric BieniemyFootballJoe BradyJohnathan Abramkansas city chiefsMike RemmersNFLPatrick MahomesShannon SharpeStefen WisniewskiSteve SpagnuoloTravis Kelcetyreek hill
Share614Tweet384
Previous Post

Early Super Bowl 55 Storylines

Next Post

Newest Jets Forward Dubois Already “At Home” in Winnipeg

Braden Holecek

Braden Holecek

Next Post
Newest Jets Forward Dubois Already “At Home” in Winnipeg

Newest Jets Forward Dubois Already “At Home” in Winnipeg

Yankees Trade to Reinforce Rotation and Clear Salary to Stay Under Luxury Tax

Yankees Trade to Reinforce Rotation and Clear Salary to Stay Under Luxury Tax

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • 3/1 - Rodgers/Brady, This Day in History; Wilson/Watson
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 3:54 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9357618891.mp3
  • Ep. 57: Free Agency Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 10:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1398047175.mp3
  • Ep. 70: Commissioner's Classic Wrap: Justin Robinson
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 10:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7823044541.mp3
  • Predicting the Yankees 2021 Opening Day Roster
    by Full Press Coverage on February 28, 2021 at 4:58 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9671934669.mp3
  • Ep 55: Bruins Depth Issues; Time to Panic?
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 11:28 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2230585722.mp3
  • Ep 65: Tiger Woods Update/Russell Wilson Is Unhappy
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3251896052.mp3?updated=1614450807
  • Ep. 188 - Potato Head / Wrestlemania Predictions
    by Talkamania on February 27, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43665499/talkamania_episode_188.mp3
  • Full Press EP 7: Chris Rosvoglou joins the show!
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43663692/full_press_ep_7_thu_1830.mp3
  • Ep 52: Jacqueline
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7559085259.mp3?updated=1614399614
  • Ep 170: NFL Coaching Changes
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 2:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4500828715.mp3?updated=1614437073

  • NXT TakeOver Draft: Who Can Build The Best All-Time TakeOver Card?
    by Evan Gomes on March 1, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    Who can create the best NXT TakeOver card? One of the most consistent events in wrestling over the […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 52: Jacqueline
    by Evan Gomes on February 27, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • WWE: The Latest Performance Center Class & Debuts
    by Evan Gomes on February 26, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Who has WWE added to their talent pool? WWE has brought in it’s largest Performance Center class […]

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 23, 2021 at 5:04 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: February 22, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Bobby Lashley Makes […]

More Wrestling News

  • The Best NHL Teams To Bet … And Bet Against
    by Bob Duff on February 28, 2021 at 4:52 pm

    Who are some of the best and worst bets through the first half of the NHL season? The post The Best […]

  • Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy
    by Lyle Richardson on February 28, 2021 at 4:45 pm

    As we near the midway point of the shortened 2021 NHL season, two players have separated themselves […]

  • Short Bench is No Problem for Cleveland
    by Elaine Shircliff on February 28, 2021 at 3:39 pm

    The Cleveland Monsters managed to have a successful night despite playing with only nine forwards […]

  • The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”
    by Murray Pam on February 27, 2021 at 3:03 pm

    The Senators opened the season 2-12-1 in the first 15 games, but are now hitting stride, winning […]

  • Eichel, Ullmark Injured, Skinner’s Status Unclear With Slumping Sabres
    by Michael Augello on February 26, 2021 at 10:23 pm

    Problems continue to pile up for the Buffalo Sabres, whether it be injuries or their own making. […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage