Chiefs’ scouting report: WR Mecole Hardman has had a diminished role with the Jets

Patrick Mahomes is in his sixth season as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback and Sunday will mark a first in his career. Mahomes has never played a game at MetLife Stadium.

That’s the home of the Jets and Giants, and while he’s faced both teams in his career, those games have been at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Chiefs hold a 20-19-1 edge in the all-time series, which dates back to when the Dallas Texans faced the New York Titans in the American Football League.

Each week, I take an early look at the Chiefs’ next opponent, and here is a look at the Jets (1-2). Kickoff is at 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, and the game will air on NBC (KSHB Ch. 41).

1. Hardman’s diminished role

Wide receiver Mecole Hardman helped the Chiefs win a pair of Super Bowl championships during his four seasons in Kansas City, but he left as a free agent in March.

Hardman, the Chiefs’ second-round pick in the 2019 draft, signed a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Jets. But through three games, his playing time has been sparse.

Hardman has played just 16 offensive snaps and one on special teams. He has been targeted once, and it was a 6-yard catch. Hardman talked with the New York Post’s Jared Schwartz about his lack of playing time.

“A little surprising,” Hardman said. “Very surprising, honestly. But I’m just here to do my role. When they need me, they need me. If we’re winning games, I can’t complain.”

2. ‘Best chance to win’

For the second straight week, the Chiefs defense will face a young quarterback who is struggling.

Zach Wilson, the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was thrust back into a starting role after Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending injury in Week 1.

Nearly half of the Jets 171 yards in Sunday’s 15-10 loss to the Patriots came on an 84-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. Eight of the Jets’ first nine drives ended with a punt, and six were three-and-outs.

Wilson completed half of his 36 pass attempts for 201 yards, but he got a vote of confidence from coach Robert Saleh on Sunday.

“We’re still early in the season,” Saleh told reporters, per the team’s website. “We knew that even with Aaron at quarterback there would be hiccups along the way. It’s a new offense, a new play-caller (offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett), a new line, new players. ...

“Right now he is the best player, he’s the one who gives us the best chance to win.”

X user Michael Nania shared a look at a couple of Wilson’s quizzical decisions Sunday.

The Jets likely will try to get receiver Garrett Wilson more involved. He has 12 receptions this season, and six have gone for a first down. He also has two touchdown catches.

3. Third-down troubles

The Jets are last in the NFL on third-down conversions, and it’s not particularly close. Team Rankings noted New York has converted just 21.6% of third downs. The Washington Commanders are 31st at 25.8%.

New York has scored on 22.9% of its drives, which is 31st in the NFL, per Pro Football Reference. The Jets are ahead of only the Bengals (18.2%).

4. Stalled rushing attack

Former Iowa State star Breece Hall torched the Bills in the Jets’ season-opening victory, rushing for 127 yards in just 10 carries.

Since then, Hall has run for 27 yards in 16 carries against the Cowboys and Patriots. Dalvin Cook, the former Vikings running back, has just 58 rushing yards on 25 attempts.

5. On defense

The Jets are allowing 20.3 points per game, the 11th best scoring defense in the NFL.

Defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson has two sacks and New York has gotten to the opposing quarterback six times in three games.

Safety Jordan Whitehead already has four passes defended. Cornerback Sauce Gardner, last year’s rookie defensive player of the year and an All-Pro, has one pass defended. He said opposing teams are not throwing his way as much this season.