Key quote
"More and more they are closing down this offense from the peak of playing the Chiefs 2 years ago."
That is key, that was the peak.
It is very frustrating this is happening, but I understand it. Here it is:
1) the YAC of Kupp and Woods is the straw that stirs the drink with this team, but opposing defenses are really doing a good job of creating clutter in the secondary.
2) The offensive line isn't quite there yet. McVay takes a peek and has to dummy it down and then takes another peek and so forth.
3) Hence, running more and because of this, the team struggles. Any Defense can take away a run if they want to which is why Passing wins in today's NFL, but to pass you have to be able protect.
4) It would help to have a burner that is nothing more than a space creator as a WR for Kupp and Woods, but unless the offensive line can protect longer, it doesn't matter.
The problem, however, by coddling, is that the more and more it gets dummied down, the more easy it is defended, the harder it is to run, the harder it is to get Kupp and Woods using their YAC abilities and the less big plays. Now you have to put together a series of first downs and other teams can just sit on it and you become Fisher ball with a lot of punting. You need chunks of yardage. When you have to use all 3 downs to get 10 yards over and over, the first penalty of mishap that happens, you are done and punting.
The Patriots game was probably a turning point in the negative for this team because it gives you that fool's gold that you can win like that, but while you may be able to win some with that dominant defense, you have days that the defense makes a few mistakes early and you have to play from behind and since you are not in the mentality of attacking, you just can't start the car.
Look at the Chiefs last year in playoffs
Down 21-0, win 51-31 Houston
Down 10-7, win 35-24 Tennessee
Down 20-10, win 30-20 SF
It is unrealistic to go 4 games in the playoffs against good NFL teams and think you will never trail or have to move down the field quickly and score with big plays. Even with a great defense, the other teams are pro's too like Vermeil says and you have to be able to respond. If you are constantly in attack mode, there is no problems starting the engine.
I would contend it is time to sink or swim. I guess it could happen but the odds of leading 240 minutes in the playoffs and the defense playing perfect in the first quarter that you never get down is just so low. So, I get you may win a game by playing it safe in the regular season that maybe you don't win by being aggressive because of mistakes, but if you can't elevate upward, you are just treading water and a early out in the playoffs so why not try to push the envelope and get back to where you were. Even if you fail, you give it shot.
If the end game is trying to win a superbowl, you have to be more aggressive and make big plays.
