Analyst claims 0-2 Chiefs need a 'spark' amid horror start

Adam Schultz

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Analyst claims 0-2 Chiefs need a 'spark' amid horror start image

The Kansas City Chiefs feel like they are officially in gut-check time, and two games into the season, that isn't a great spot to be.

Granted, while some are confident that Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid can turn things around, others are less optimistic, with the Chiefs losing by one score in both games, but it was the overall performance of the offense that lends itself to skepticism.

The 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles will be hard to stomach, considering the Chiefs were driving in the fourth quarter to at worst, draw level. But a red zone interception as Mahomes' pass bounced off Travis Kelce's hands and into a waiting Eagles defender's hands saw the tide turn.

And for CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin, he's given the Chiefs a C- grade, and claims this team needs a jump start in the worst way.

"Patrick Mahomes showed lots of spirit as a scrambler early on, all but carrying the Chiefs' stagnant offense," Benjamin writes. "Unfortunately, he couldn't quite match the energy through the air, trying but often failing to stretch the field against a stingy Eagles defense until it was too late. Steve Spagnuolo's own defense prevented Philly from hitting any home run plays, but K.C. also had no answers for the "Tush Push." This group needs a spark."

MORE: Panic time? Chiefs in free fall in latest power rankings

Do Chiefs deserve benefit of the doubt after poor start?

For a team that was chasing three consecutive Super Bowl wins just three games ago, and having been one of the most dominant teams over the past five years, one can easily say yes.

But it appears the Chiefs aren't getting it.

The biggest question marks are aimed at the offense, with no Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, the unit doesn't look like a cohesive one, and that is what most are clinging to as the reason for the doubt.

The Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants all of a sudden has huge implications, not only for the division but also for the playoffs.

Start 0-3, and those alarm bells will be deafening. And there will be no more benefit of the doubt.

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Adam Schultz

Adam Schultz is a freelance writer at The Sporting News. An Australian journalist with years of experience covering the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL, Adam has interviewed several high-profile athletes in Australia for various sites and brings a unique view on the NFL.