For the first time in a long time, the Kansas City Chiefs have some questions about their offense. The duo of head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes has created a ton of magic over the last few years, but this season, they have run into a few snags.
In their comeback victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12, the Chiefs scored 17 points in the second half. It was the first time since Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers that the team scored a point in the second half.
While Kansas City is still in the top 10 in most offensive categories, something many franchises would love to have, that is underperforming by their astronomical standards. A big issue for the team has been personnel-based, as the Chiefs are lacking high-end playmakers.
NFL News & Rumors: Zach Ertz & Kansas City Chiefs Updates
Travis Kelce remains a force at tight end, but he has shown some signs of slowing down this season. Rookie second-round pick Rashee Rice has been everything the team could have hoped for and more, but Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney have been underwhelming.
If the Chiefs do want to make a move in the coming weeks, one veteran recently hit free agency that could pique their interest; tight end Zach Ertz. Ertz requested and was granted his release from the Arizona Cardinals earlier this week as he is seeking out an opportunity to compete for another Super Bowl.
The Chiefs would certainly qualify as such a team as they are currently leading the AFC West and fighting for home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs. Chiefs writer Caleb James of Arrowhead Pride believes adding Ertz would be a good idea as it would help them get back to a personnel grouping they haven’t used much of this season.
“I’m down,” he voiced in a quoted post. “Could open back up the Chiefs passing game in 13 [personnel].”
NFL News & Rumors: Zach Ertz & Kansas City Chiefs Updates
With Jody Forston injured, Kansas City has had to move away from the 13 personnel, which is one running back, one wide receiver and three tight ends. It is an especially helpful formation in short-yardage and goal-line situations as defenses are put in a pinch about trying to load up and stop the run.
Having skill playmakers in Kelce and Ertz would make that formation a headache for opposing defensive coordinators. Do you bring in your run stoppers, becoming vulnerable against the pass? Or protect against a pass, which will lead to the Chiefs bludgeoning them on the ground.
Ertz doesn’t fill their biggest need for a wide receiver, but he can have a similar impact to what the Buffalo Bills were hoping for from Dalton Kincaid as another versatile pass catcher that can open things up for the rest of the offense.
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