Former Chargers linebacker says Kansas City Chiefs need ‘to get their identity back’

The Chiefs are in an unfamiliar position in the Patrick Mahomes era, having lost three of their previous four games and currently occupying last place in the AFC West.

Former Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was interviewed for gambling.com about Los Angeles leading the AFC West, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s dazzling play, coach Jon Gruden’s departure from the Raiders and more.

One of the topics was the Chiefs’ 2-3 start to the season. Merriman was asked if there should be a concern about the Chiefs following Sunday’s 38-20 loss to the Bills at Arrowhead Stadium.

“First and foremost, Buffalo is a contender this year. It’s not like Kansas City got beat by a C-plus team or something like that. But let’s not take away the loss with how good Buffalo really is,” Merriman said.

“Second of all, Kansas City needs to get their identity back. I think they’ve become a pass-happy football team, and when you become a pass-happy football team, that team takes on your identity, on both sides of the ball, and that’s what’s happened.”

While Merriman didn’t elaborate on that thought, he may have referenced this: the Chiefs threw 54 passes and ran the ball 23 times against the Bills. A week earlier, in a 42-30 win at Philadelphia, the Chiefs had 32 rushing plays and 30 passes.

Merriman also was asked if the Chiefs need to make any adjustments to get back on track.

”If this keeps happening for another game or two, I think you start making some changes — either player personnel or coaching personnel,” Merriman said. “You have to, because this is no way that you have a team like that explosive and losing games the way they are.”

You can read the entire interview here.