Fear not, faithful readers of our 5 Questions preview series, we’re back for another installment after a week off—it wasn’t only the Cincinnati Bengals that pulled a no-show last week. This week, we had a chance to chat with Maurice Elston, a contributor over at Arrowhead Pride, to give us some insight into the rocky start for the Kansas City Chiefs, how Patrick Mahomes’ legs are creating a different for the offense, and what the Chiefs’ defense—led by the revered Steve Spagnuolo—could have in store for the Detroit Lions on “Sunday Night Football.”
1. All discussions about the Chiefs start with their franchise quarterback, but instead of talking about Patrick Mahomes throwing the football, let’s talk about a very interesting development this season in Kansas City: he’s been more active as a runner this year, his ninth NFL season, than he has in any other season. He has 183 yards on scrambles this season, second in the NFL to only Josh Allen (195), and he’s the leading rusher for the Chiefs this season.
On one hand, that has to be somewhat of an intriguing development to make him an even more dynamic threat, but that hardly seems to be a sustainable model for success on offense moving forward. What needs to change in Kansas City for the Chiefs’ offense to return to form, which running back do you think they can turn to help on the ground, and how likely is that to happen as soon as this weekend against the Lions?
“Patrick Mahomes leading the team in rushing is not a sustainable model, and it’s certainly not what the Chiefs want to rely on long-term. Even though he had 60 yards on the ground against Jacksonville, that game also marked the most balanced rushing performance Kansas City has had this season. Between Isaiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Brashard Smith, the Chiefs ran for 89 yards on 15 carries—a strong 5.9-yard average.
If that trio can consistently combine for around 90 yards a game, the Chiefs would gladly take it. I don’t see one back taking over the workload entirely; it’ll be a true three-headed committee moving forward. Smith should continue earning more touches because of his explosiveness, but sustained balance is the real goal. That level of production would keep defenses honest and take pressure off Mahomes to carry the ground game himself.”
2. But to circle back to the passing game, Mahomes is back to slinging it deep and taking shots downfield. According to NFL Pro, has attempted deep passes (throws of 20+ air yards) on 13.1% of his passes in 2025, his highest rate since 2019.
What about the Chiefs offense this season has allowed Mahomes to be more aggressive downfield? Is his offensive line giving him more time to make those throws? Have they found the right mix of pass-catchers to do damage downfield? A change in approach to route concepts? Some combination of these factors?
“It’s really been a combination of all those factors. The offensive line has played a major role—this is the best protection Mahomes has had on the left side since Eric Fisher. The guard play, particularly from Kingsley, has also improved each week. That’s given Mahomes confidence to stay in the pocket longer and let plays develop.
There’s also been a shift in mindset. Mahomes has made a point to push the ball downfield more this year, and that trust in his receivers has grown noticeably. In past seasons, inconsistency on the offensive line and a lack of chemistry with his targets forced him to get rid of the ball quickly. Now, he’s comfortable letting his receivers make plays in one-on-one situations. The last two games, in particular, have shown that the deep passing game is starting to reemerge as a real weapon.”
3. After finishing fourth in the NFL in blitz rate last year (31.6%) according to Pro Football Reference, Steve Spagnuolo and the Chiefs defense are slightly less aggressive through five games in 2025 (26.4%).
Jared Goff has been particularly effective against the blitz this year: 73.2% completion rate (third), 9.9 yards per attempt (fourth), and a 143.7 passer rating (first). Can the Chiefs get pressure sending four? Do you see Spag having to get creative and more selective when turning to the blitz against the Lions?
“Right now, the Chiefs can’t generate consistent pressure with just four. That’s been their biggest defensive concern this season. When they’re not blitzing, the pass rush simply isn’t getting home often enough. Steve Spagnuolo will absolutely have to get creative against Jared Goff—disguising pressures, mixing coverages, and forcing him off his first read will be critical.
The challenge, of course, is that Goff has been excellent against the blitz. That means if Spagnuolo dials it up, the coverage behind it has to be airtight. Expect him to bring pressure selectively and design more exotic looks rather than relying on straightforward rushes. Outside of Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, no one has consistently won one-on-one matchups, so creativity will be the key to keeping Goff uncomfortable.”
4. Another interesting aspect of Spagnuolo’s defense is how much he relies on press-man coverage. According to NFL Pro, the Chiefs have used outside press coverage at the highest rate in the league in six of the seven seasons Spagnuolo has been the team’s defensive coordinator.
How have the Chiefs outside corners fared in coverage this season, and where is Kansas City susceptible to getting beat in the passing game?
“Overall, the corners have held up well. Trent McDuffie continues to play at an All-Pro level—rarely giving up anything in his direction. Jaylen Watson has been steady too, aside from a few lapses late in games. The biggest surprise has been rookie Nohl Williams, who’s flashed strong coverage ability when given opportunities, though his defensive snaps were limited last week.
If there’s a vulnerability, it’s with the safeties and linebackers in man coverage. When they’re matched up one-on-one against tight ends or slot receivers, that’s where Kansas City tends to get exposed. The corners have been solid on the outside, but tighter execution in those interior matchups will be critical against a team like Detroit that thrives on crossing routes and play-action throws.”
5. The Lions are still trying to find their footing as a team committed to running the football but with a lot of new faces along the offensive line.
The Chiefs rank 31st in ESPN’s run-stop win rate and 30th in run defense DVOA. What’s working and what’s not working in Kansas City’s effort to defend the run?
“Despite the rankings, the Chiefs’ run defense has quietly improved in recent weeks. They held Saquon Barkley to 60 yards, Derrick Henry to 42, and Travis Etienne to just 49. Outside of a long 71-yard run by Justice Hill against Baltimore, they’ve done a much better job limiting explosive plays.
The biggest improvement has come from the linebackers and safeties playing more aggressively downhill. When they attack gaps and stay disciplined, the run defense looks strong. The main issue remains tackling—too many missed tackles on first contact have turned short gains into chunk plays. If they can clean that up and continue playing fast and physical, they’ll be far more consistent. Sunday will be another test, though, with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs offering two very different challenges out of Detroit’s backfield.”
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