The Kansas City Chiefs are team that shows up on our television screens a lot, but not one that New York Giants fans consider as an opponent very often. So, let’s turn to SB Nation’s Arrowhead Pride to learn more about the Giants’ opponent in Sunday night’s home opener.
Maurice Elston of Arrowhead Pride answers our ‘5 questions.’
Ed: The Chiefs are 0-2 for the first time since 2014, and obviously the first time with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. Is there panic in Chiefs Kingdom, or a belief that they will end up being what they have always been — one of the league’s best teams?
Maurice: There’s a little tension in Chiefs Kingdom, but not much panic just yet. Both losses were one-score games, and that’s despite the Chiefs not playing their best football and missing key players. That leaves room for optimism that once they settle in, things will turn around. Unlike 2014—the last time Kansas City started 0-2 and ultimately missed the playoffs—there’s still strong belief that with Patrick Mahomes leading the way, this team will get back on track and remain a playoff contender.
Ed: Since 2022, the Chiefs have gone significantly backwards as an offensive team. Right now, they are 24th in the league in points and I actually saw Mahomes referred to as a “game manager” by CBS Sports. Is this just about the missing wide receivers, or does it go much deeper than that?
Maurice: I think it goes deeper than just missing wide receivers. The revolving door at left tackle and the lack of a true No. 1 receiver have really limited the offense’s explosiveness. On top of that, we’re starting to see a slow but steady decline in Travis Kelce’s dominance, which changes the dynamic. The good news is Rashee Rice looks like the No. 1 option this team needs—his ability after the catch paired with Xavier Worthy’s speed should give defenses something real to worry about moving forward.
Ed: Speaking of missing receivers, what is Xavier Worthy’s status for Sunday? Are there other noteworthy injuries to be aware of?
Maurice: Worthy was able to practice last week but was downgraded to doubtful and ultimately ruled out the night before the game. There’s optimism he could suit up this Sunday, likely with a brace, but it really depends on how much pain he’s still dealing with. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chiefs play it cautious and hold him out another week.
Ed: If you could take one player off the Giants’ roster and put him in a Kansas City uniform, who would it be? Why?
Maurice: The only right answer is Malik Nabers. He already has 238 receiving yards, which is just 51 yards shy of what the Chiefs’ top three receivers have combined. Pairing his explosiveness and playmaking ability with Patrick Mahomes would be flat-out magical and instantly elevate the Chiefs’ offense.
Ed: Both teams are 0-2. If the Giants win on Sunday, though, that would still be considered a big upset. What is the Giants’ path to pulling that off? And, what would the comment section at Arrowhead Pride look like if they do?
Maurice: The Giants’ path to an upset starts with Wilson exploiting the Chiefs’ inability to generate consistent pressure with just four rushers. If New York can disrupt Mahomes without blitzing and keep Kansas City’s offense out of rhythm, that’s step one. Step two is forcing a mistake — because so far this season, the Chiefs haven’t shown they can overcome their own errors. If both of those things happen, suddenly it’s a very different game. And if the Giants do pull it off, let’s just say the Arrowhead Pride comment section would be in full meltdown mode.
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