As the Kansas City Chiefs prepared for their highly anticipated Week 5 clash against the New Orleans Saints, a bombshell dropped early Monday evening: receiver Rashee Rice would be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Coming off a notable 17-point performance the previous Sunday, questions loomed regarding how the offense would adapt without its primary target. However, in an unexpected turn of events during the Monday night game, the Chiefs discovered offensive vigor from surprising sources. Led by a revitalized effort from veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster, who has spent eight seasons in the league, the Chiefs amassed an impressive 460 yards of total offense.
Despite this, the Chiefs’ offense still exhibited the inconsistency one might expect five weeks into the season. They enjoyed nearly 40 minutes of possession and made seven trips to the red zone, but their execution faltered significantly. The team managed to convert only 2 of their 7 red zone opportunities, highlighting a troubling trend.
Fortunately for head coach Andy Reid and his staff, the combination of Smith-Schuster and tight end Travis Kelce contributed over 200 yards in offense, while teammates Mecole Hardman, Xavier Worthy, Noah Gray, Samaje Perine, and Kareem Hunt collectively added 126 receiving yards. If this level of support persists, Kansas City has the potential to remain a formidable contender for the championship.
With Rice’s absence, Kelce emerges as the pivotal figure in the passing game. It’s only a matter of time before Worthy earns the full confidence of quarterback Patrick Mahomes; he has consistently found himself open downfield. Once they synchronize, the Chiefs can add another layer to their offensive arsenal. Smith-Schuster delivered his best performance since the 2020 season on Monday night. If he can effectively fill Rice’s shoes, it will create additional opportunities for his teammates. A trio of Kelce, Smith-Schuster, and Worthy could prove sufficient if the team cannot enhance its receiving corps through trades.
The resurgence of Kareem Hunt in the backfield has also fortified the Chiefs’ offensive strength. In his two games since rejoining the team, Hunt has tallied 171 rushing yards on 41 carries, averaging an impressive 4.17 yards per attempt. The Chiefs have found success on early downs, putting them in advantageous third-down situations, which provides Reid with the flexibility to explore various offensive strategies. Monday night showcased what might be his finest play-calling effort of the 2024 season, as he consistently exploited gaps in the Saints’ defensive line.
However, the current sample size does not allow for definitive conclusions regarding the offensive role players. The upcoming Week 7 encounter against the San Francisco 49ers will serve as a more accurate barometer. Anticipating this, it’s likely the Chiefs will be proactive in seeking reinforcements during their bye week, though they will need a willing partner to negotiate any trades. With the NFL’s trade deadline approaching in about a month, several players are expected to be on the market, though it’s uncertain how many could genuinely elevate this offense. Notable names such as Darius Slayton from the New York Giants, Amari Cooper of the Cleveland Browns, and division rival Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders stand out as potential acquisitions that would complement the Chiefs’ offensive strategy.
