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The Chiefs entered the 2023 NFL playoffs with perhaps more questions than at any point in recent memory, going 4-5 in Patrick Mahomes’ final nine starts and struggling to match the explosive production of past title bids. One game in, however, fresh off a 26-7 rout of the Dolphins on Saturday night, is it premature to suggest Kansas City has already returned to form?
Miami was banged up, after all, and the Dolphins came into Arrowhead Stadium with other red flags, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s winless record in cold-weather games, plus 2023 struggles against opponents with winning records. Isn’t it possible the Chiefs simply took advantage of a fraudulent contender? Well, sure, but that would also ignore K.C.’s own big-stage resume, as well as Andy Reid’s squad showcasing tried-and-true ingredients for another deep playoff run.
Let’s start with the track record. It’s one thing to assume the Chiefs will always turn it on once it matters most, regardless of how they’ve played previously. Anyone with eyes has seen their operation hasn’t been nearly as seamless throughout 2023, with Mahomes sorely lacking a reliable receiving corps for long stretches. Then again, there’s no denying their postseason experience. Since Mahomes took over as the starting quarterback in 2018, the Chiefs have won at least two playoff games in four of their last five seasons — a win next week would make it five of six — and Mahomes himself is 12-3 in the playoffs. The QB and Coach Reid are the modern-day equivalent of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick during their peak Patriots years.
Better yet, the Chiefs’ recent stretch, including their blowout of the Dolphins, suggests they’re only on the upswing. The defense, for example, was already a strong suit, finishing the regular season ranked No. 2 in the NFL. Even when Mahomes and Reid couldn’t offset miscues by maligned weapons like Kadarius Toney, Steve Spagnuolo’s…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/have-chiefs-flipped-the-switch-why-kansas-city-should-be-feared-after-wild-card-win-in-2024-nfl-playoffs/
Author : Cody Benjamin
Publish date : 2024-01-15 13:45:27
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