3 adjustments Chiefs must make without Patrick Mahomes at full strength

Chiefs can keep an extra blocker in

If Jerick McKinnon proved anything on Saturday, it’s that he’s essential to the Chiefs passing game, one way or another.

McKinnon is one of the better blocking running backs in football, which is why he’s employed on third downs for Kansas City. He can also make plays out of the backfield as a receiver when called upon. This coming weekend, that’ll be as valuable as ever.

The Bengals like to blitz players late from the secondary. For a stationary Mahomes, the Chiefs will need to pick those players up rather than counting on superman to save them by escaping the pocket.

Cincinnati uses Mike Hilton in particular as a blitzing corner. The Bills couldn’t counter the Bengals strategy in the snow on Sunday, and it cost them. Josh Allen never looked comfortable, and his ankle was healthy, from what we could tell. Odds are the Bengals will pressure Mahomes much like they did Allen to test his ankle right away.

Football is a violent game, and when a player’s injury is publicized like Mahomes’ will be leading up to the game, it’s like blood in the water for an awaiting shark. Players like McKinnon, who is one of the best blockers at his position in football, must be up to the task and pick up the right man in blitz packages.