The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense has been on a wild ride this season-flashes of brilliance followed by stretches of frustration. Early on, they looked like the Chiefs we’ve come to expect: scoring over 30 points a game, winning four out of five by double digits, and reminding everyone why they’ve been a perennial powerhouse.
But as the season wore on, that spark faded. The offense sputtered, and with it, so did Kansas City's playoff hopes.
Now, with three games left and Patrick Mahomes out with a torn ACL, the Chiefs are staring down a new reality-and a new challenge.
Let’s be clear: there’s no replacing Mahomes. You don’t just swap in a quarterback and expect the same magic.
But that doesn’t mean the Chiefs are out of options. It just means it’s time for Andy Reid to pivot.
And fast.
Reid’s offensive system is one of the most respected in the league. He’s been a West Coast offense guru for decades, and over the years, he’s layered in elements of the college spread game to keep things fresh.
But make no mistake-this is still one of the NFL’s most complex playbooks. Reid has always demanded total command of the system from his players, which is why young guys or midseason additions often struggle to see the field.
If you don’t know the playbook front to back, you’re not getting the call.
That’s worked when Mahomes is under center and Travis Kelce is out there reading coverages like a second quarterback. But lately, even with Mahomes, the offense hasn’t clicked.
Whether it’s been injuries up front, a wide receiver group that’s struggled with consistency, or defenses simply figuring out Reid’s tendencies, the Chiefs haven’t looked like themselves. The timing’s been off.
The rhythm’s been missing. And now, with Gardner Minshew stepping in at quarterback and a cast of young, unproven playmakers around him, running the full Reid playbook isn’t just ambitious-it’s asking for trouble.
So here’s the play: simplify.
This Sunday, the Chiefs face a 2-12 Titans squad that’s had its own share of problems. With nothing to lose and everything to gain in terms of player development, this is the perfect opportunity for Reid to strip things down and focus on execution over complexity.
Forget the 30-point game plan. Forget the full-field reads and the deep route trees.
This isn’t about showcasing Reid’s offensive genius-it’s about giving this group a chance to succeed.
Start with the ground game. Activate Dameon Pierce and let him get downhill behind a simplified blocking scheme.
Get rookie speedster Brashard Smith involved on outside runs and jet sweeps. Keep the formations basic.
Let them play fast and free. Once the run game finds a little rhythm, build off it with some quick-hitters-screens, slants, and play-action passes that get the ball out of Minshew’s hands quickly and into the hands of guys like Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and of course, Kelce.
If Reid has Minshew dropping back 30-plus times, asking him to scan the entire field behind a banged-up offensive line, it’s going to be a long afternoon. That’s not a knock on Minshew-it’s just not a fair ask.
What is fair: giving him a game plan built around timing, rhythm, and high-percentage throws. Let him manage the game, not carry it.
And while we’re talking young talent, why not see what Jalen Royals can do? Scheme up a screen or two for him.
Get the ball in his hands and see how he responds. These last three games are a live audition for 2026, and every rep matters.
Look, Andy Reid has forgotten more about offensive football than most of us will ever know. But sometimes, that deep knowledge can be a double-edged sword.
The temptation to rely on the system-on the full scope of the playbook-can lead to overthinking. Right now, Reid doesn’t need to prove how smart his offense is.
He needs to meet his players where they are and give them a plan they can actually execute.
The Chiefs’ defense, while not perfect, should be able to keep the Titans in check. This isn’t a game that demands 400 yards of offense and five touchdowns. It demands discipline, smart football, and a willingness to adapt.
Reid has the tools. He has the experience.
Now he needs to lean into simplicity, trust his young guys, and let this team find its footing without Mahomes. If he does that, the Chiefs might not just finish the season strong-they might discover a few new weapons for the future.