Could Kansas City Nation Faltering After Losing Opening?

This Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes find themselves in unfamiliar territory.

Following missing out on a Super Bowl three-peat in February, the team dropped their opening two contests of the new season.

This marks the first time they have started 0-2 start since 2014 – before selecting Mahomes and their three Super Bowl victories under head coach Andy Reid.

There are now significant questions over Kansas City's postseason hopes – since since the NFL merger, just 10.1% clubs who have made an 0-2 beginning eventually reach the post-season.

Mahomes has embraced this adversity, stating: "When you hit setbacks, it's about responding with it. I look forward to upcoming games to see which players embrace competition, and the way the team can return and really compete aggressively."

What Has Awry for Kansas City?

Kansas City came into 2025 boasting an NFL-record 17 consecutive victories during one-score games – when the difference is eight points or fewer.

But the Chiefs have misplaced that knack, falling 27-21 in week one to the Los Angeles Chargers, and 20-17 during the recent Super Bowl rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Questionable decision-making and a lack critical players are additional reasons for the team's slow beginning.

One receiver is serving a multi-game ban and another suffered a dislocated shoulder during the team's initial possession of the season.

Health issues have also affected the defensive personnel, causing further complications with the team's early performance.

Which Adjustments Have They Needed?

Perhaps the most critical area to address is pass protection, particularly on the blind side.

Following the QB was sacked six times during last Super Bowl, management addressed that by selecting a rookie lineman with their top draft pick.

Additionally, they signed a veteran player from a different professional team.

Kansas City must find solutions regarding their rushing attack – because after being their third-leading ball-carrier in 2024, the quarterback now their top runner.

This puts him under increased danger physically, an scenario that the staff would prefer to avoid.

Have the Chiefs Adjust Their Goals?

One key offensive player returned to training recently so may return in Sunday's nationally televised game.

Kansas City then host a tough team next week, and are already needing to make up ground within their division.

"The Chiefs enter each matchup and the others coming up understanding every one represents a critical victory, since the Chargers jumped ahead by two wins in the standings," noted a observer.

"But the Chiefs excel in big moments when others are starting to doubt them."

If they miss out on a 10th consecutive division crown, it's still possible to make the postseason with enough wins for a wildcard berth.

"There's that parity," stated another pundit. "When you finish last, then you get to select early in the draft."

"But with having Patrick Mahomes at the helm and Andy Reid, among the most incredible managers in NFL history, I think you always have a chance."

"I just think perhaps the definition shifted for what success might look to be for them."