How will the Chiefs offense look without Rashee Rice?
The Kansas City Chiefs started the NFL season 4-0 after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 17-10. The victory was tempered by a knee injury sustained by top wide receiver Rashee Rice, despite an ugly game.
In the first quarter, quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw an interception. Mahomes hit Rice in an attempt to make a tackle, which caused the injury. Rice carefully made his way to the sidelines, whereupon he boarded the cart to make his way to the locker room.
He was promptly declared out of the game, and Andy Reid, the head coach of the Chiefs, did not seem hopeful.
Although Rice’s injury added to the already lengthy list of offensive players out by injury, the Chiefs managed to win. Due to an injury, receiver Hollywood Brown was already predicted to miss the whole regular season. Meanwhile, running back Isiah Pacheco’s recovery time from a fracture sustained in Week 2 was unclear.
and saved the Chiefs on several crucial must-win downs.
In spite of a ravaged Chargers secondary, Kelce was able to carry the weight. If the club is to maintain its winning ways, Kelce will need to keep stepping up in these crucial situations. Although the season’s rough start seems to be behind them, Kelce needs to keep performing at this level if the offense is to be successful.
Going deep and pounding the rock
The Chiefs managed to move the ball (and score) in the absence of Rice by relying on long runs and deep shots. After Rice exited the game with an injury, Mahomes and Xavier Worthy connected for a deep 54-yard score.
The Chiefs have had to adapt after losing three of their main playmakers, and the conclusion of their game against the Chargers may provide a sneak peek at what may lie ahead in unfamiliar territory.
Depending on Kelce
Even though Travis Kelce made headlines all week, the 34-year-old tight end proved he still has what it takes to be the Chiefs offense’s go-to player. Kelce has seven catches for 89 yards at the end of the game.
Although Worthy is still a young player, as the season goes on, the Chiefs will need him to continue to perform well. During the Chiefs’ opening drive of the game, starting running back Carston Steele fumbled, which gave the Chargers a lead.
Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine were increasingly relied upon by Kansas City as the game went on. In the fourth quarter, Perine scored the game-winning touchdown, while Hunt finished with 69 yards on 14 attempts.
In summary
The Chiefs’ offensive profile will shift with the absence of Rice, but they still have Kelce, the backfield, the offensive line, and Worthy in place to try to three-peat as they recuperate as best they can.