The Kansas City Chiefs came into the 2023 NFL season as the top favorite to reach and win the Super Bowl. That usually comes with the territory when you are the reigning champions, but it did seem like the Chiefs had improved some of their weaknesses and were ready to repeat.
But after a 24-9 loss to the Denver Broncos, who came into the game 2-5, Chiefs fans are becoming increasingly worried about the team’s ability to make it far into the playoffs. The main reason for that concern? Their wide receivers.
Skyy Moore drops critical pass from Patrick Mahomes
There aren’t many big names in Kansas City’s wide receiver room, with the front office opting to take a “more is better” approach. The rotations have not worked, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes seemingly only trusts his All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce and rookie Rashee Rice. Why doesn’t Mahomes trust his other receivers? Because of plays like this one.
That drop from Skyy Moore came on 4th and 2 with under eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. The defender made a play on the ball, but a second round wideout needs to haul it in. If he does, the Chiefs would have pulled to within one score.
Mahomes was intercepted on 4th and 27 following two straight sacks on the next drive, putting the game out of reach. The quarterback was consistently either under pressure or scrambling out of the pocket waiting for receivers to come open several seconds into plays.
This was how the Chiefs wide receivers ended their day against the Broncos.
Rashee Rice: 4 catches, 56 yards
Justin Watson: 2 catches, 42 yards
Marquez Valdes-Scantling: 2 catches, 27 yards
Mecole Hardman: 2 catches, 13 yards
Skyy Moore: 1 catch, 8 yards
Kadarius Toney: 1 catch, 4 yards
The Chiefs won last year’s Super Bowl with a similar receiving corps, although JuJu Smith-Schuster was on the team as well and caught seven passes in The Big Game. Maybe Kansas City can get away with it again, but it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they trade for a wideout ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
