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3 things that must improve about the Chiefs after the bye week

The Kansas City Chiefs enter their bye week with a strong 4-0 record, but three key areas need urgent improvement to maintain their AFC lead. On defense, the unit has struggled on third downs, allowing a league-worst 37% conversion rate and ranking 25th in pass-rush pressure on those downs.

Defensive tackle Chris Jones and rookie edge rusher R Mason Thomas have shown promise, but the Chiefs’ lone third-down sack of the season came from defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, highlighting a need for more disruptive play from the entire pass-rush group to force turnovers and shorten drives. Meanwhile, the offensive line has failed to consistently protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes on dropbacks, with rookie left tackle Kahlil Benson already allowing six pressures in just 48 true pass sets—a rate that could stifle Mahomes’ ability to operate as the season progresses.

The return of veteran left tackle Josh Simmons is critical to shoring up this weakness, as the Chiefs currently average only 12 dropbacks per game, limiting Mahomes’ ability to rely on his signature deep-ball offense when defenses adjust. Finally, the absence of star receiver Tyquan Thornton (dislocated ankle) and potential short-term loss of Rashee Rice (hamstring) forces the Chiefs to lean on younger targets like Xavier Worthy, Jalen Royals, and rookie Cyrus Allen to elevate their playmaking.

Royals’ agility after catches and Allen’s route-running precision will be tested as the offense shifts into high gear without its top two weapons.

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