🔗 Share this article

The Kansas City Chiefs along with signal-caller Patrick Mahomes are currently in unfamiliar ground.

Following missing out on an NFL championship third straight title in February, the team have lost the first two contests this new season.

This marks the initial occasion the Chiefs have made an 0-2 start dating back to 2014 – before they drafted Mahomes and earning multiple Super Bowl victories under coach Andy Reid.

Now arise significant concerns over the Chiefs' play-off hopes – as since 1970, only 10.1% clubs that started an 0-2 beginning eventually reach the playoffs.

The quarterback has welcomed this adversity, stating: "Whenever you hit adversity, it's about how you deal positively. I look forward to upcoming games to see who wants to be challenged, and how the team can return and really compete aggressively."

What Has Awry With the Chiefs?

The team entered the season boasting a record 17 straight victories during close matchups – where the difference was one possession or less.

But the Chiefs have misplaced that ability, losing 27-21 in week one against their divisional rivals, and 20-17 in last Sunday's Super Bowl replay with Philadelphia.

Questionable discipline and a lack of key players have also been factors in the team's slow beginning.

A key offensive weapon is serving a six-game ban and another dislocated joint on the team's first drive in Week 1.

Health issues additionally impacted defense personnel, creating further complications for their early results.

What Changes Do They Require?

Arguably the most critical area on defence is pass protection, specifically on the quarterback's weak side.

Following the QB was sacked repeatedly in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs remedied that by selecting a rookie lineman with their first-round selection.

They also brought in an experienced player from another NFL team.

Kansas City must find solutions regarding their run game – because following serving as a key rusher last season, the quarterback now their top runner.

This places him at greater danger of injury, a situation that coaches would prefer to prevent.

Did They Lowered Their Goals?

One key receiver rejoined training recently and could play in Sunday's nationally televised game.

Kansas City will face another challenging team next week, and are already playing catch-up in the division.

"The Chiefs enter each matchup and the rest coming up knowing every one represents a critical victory, since the Chargers went ahead by two wins on them," noted an analyst.

"But the Chiefs excel in the occasion during times everyone's beginning to doubt them."

Should they fail to secure another consecutive division title, it's still possible to still reach the play-offs with enough victories for a wildcard berth.

"There's competitive balance," added another pundit. "If a team ends up at the bottom, then you get to pick first next year."

"Yet when you've having a superstar at the helm plus a legendary coach, among the most incredible managers league history, in my view there's always remain hopeful."

"I just think perhaps the goalpost shifted for what achievement appears like this season."