Behind Enemy Lines: Previewing Week 6 with Chiefs Wire

The Washington Football Team hosts the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at FedEx Field in a battle of 2-3 teams. Washington has only defeated the Chiefs one time in franchise history, which was back in 1983. Can Washington upset the Chiefs on Sunday?

To preview this game, we spoke with Charles Goldman, the managing editor over at Chiefs Wire, and he gave us plenty of answers on the 2021 Kansas City Chiefs.

How is Patrick Mahomes playing in 2021?

Oct 11, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws the ball in the third quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chiefs 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Save for the uncharacteristic turnovers; he’s been the same old Patrick Mahomes that everyone has come to know. He’s pacing for over 5,000 yards for the second time in his career while also pacing to match Peyton Manning’s single-season touchdown record (55). But I guarantee you, Mahomes would trade in any sort of pace record for winning some more of these games. He’s competitive, and he seems to be pressing at times, but I have no doubt there are some better performances ahead this season for the Chiefs’ quarterback.

What is Kansas City’s plan at RB with the Edwards-Helaire injury?

Oct 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrel Williams (31) carries the ball against Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Alex Singleton (49) at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

They’ll roll with fourth-year veteran Darrel Williams as the starter, and Jerick McKinnon will be his primary backup. The team also signed RB Derrick Gore from the practice squad, so there’s a chance that he snags a few carries on Sunday if he’s made active. Williams is more of a bruiser than a speedster, but he’s pretty elusive once he gets into the open field. This will be his first career regular-season start, but he did start last year during the divisional round against the Cleveland Browns.

How is the new-look offensive line playing?

Oct 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Orlando Brown (57) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

They’ve been quite solid, especially the two true rookies, RG Trey Smith and C Creed Humphrey. Smith has been incredible given his sixth-round draft status, and Humphrey is currently the top-graded center in the NFL over at Pro Football Focus. The Chiefs are dealing with an injury this week with LG Joe Thuney. He broke his hand last week and played through the game with it, but I’d be surprised if he’s out there this week. They’ll move one of Mike Remmers, Andrew Wylie, or Nick Allegretti to LG if he can’t play.

Overall, how would you compare the offense thus far in 2021 to last year?

KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 21: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs talks with quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 during a time out in the first half of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)

I think the Chiefs’ offense is probably on par with last year. Statistically, as I mentioned earlier, they look more like the 2018 offense. That was the year that Mahomes won MVP. The offensive line is definitely a strength this year, or at least not the weakness that it was a season ago. They’ve still got great weapons in Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Mecole Hardman. They added Josh Gordon recently, who should get some more play this week. The running game leaves something to be desired, but Clyde Edwards-Helaire did put together two back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances before getting hurt.

What are the biggest issues on defense? Do you think Washington’s offense will have any issues moving the ball?

Oct 10, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) defends during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Pick an issue out of a hat, and it’s a problem for the Kansas City defense. There are only a few things even going remotely right on that side of the ball through five games this season. They’ve been able to apply some pressure on the quarterback in the blitz game; they’re also improving in the red zone and stopping the run. I don’t think Washington will have much trouble moving the ball, though. Perimeter runs and getting the ball to players in space should be a big part of their game plan this week. However, If the Washington offense has problems with this group, then they’ve got some serious problems of their own.

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