As the Chiefs offense sputtered to an inglorious start before last weekend, the question remains why? Is it Carl Peterson? Is it Herm Edwards? Could it be Mike Solari? Maybe the players themselves? Heck, for good measure lets throw in K.C. Wolf.
The answer is all of the above (well, maybe except for our Zubaz-sporting carnivore).
Chiefs Nation is well aware of how far their offense has fallen in recent years. In the five years under Dick Vermiel and offensive coordinator Al Saunders the Chiefs annually ranked in the top five of points scored and yards gained.
Since? Well, you know the rest. Last season the offense resembled Harvards initial formation in 1856 and this season points have been at a premium, even with the 30-point outburst in San Diego.
Pointing the finger solely at Carl Peterson is over-simplistic, but a good place to start. Peterson oversaw the transition of Dicks offense to Herms offense. Some of the assistant coaches remain, James Saxon with the running backs and Charlie Joiner with the receivers.
However, Carl must have understood Herms philosophy upon his hiring. Carl also green-lighted a rookie offensive coordinator to take the reigns. Mike Solari moved from offensive line coach to calling the plays, a jump rarely seen in the NFL.
Additionally, Carl allowed the offense to erode without restocking the cupboard. Will Shields and Willie Roaf retired, leaving huge holes on the left side of the offensive line. John Tait was never adequately replaced at right tackle. One of the best fullbacks in the league, Tony Richardson, was replaced with a converted tight end. Out Trent Green, in Damon Huard and until Dwayne Bowe no game-breaking wide receiver was drafted.
As for the role Herm plays? Fairly significant. Despite Edwards memorable -I dont call the plays!- diatribe distancing himself from the offensive decisions after last seasons woeful home opener, his fingerprints are all over the unit.
Herm does not want to turn the football over. He wants to impose the run on defenses. He asks his own defense to win the game. The philosophy is simple. Do not take chances, do not make mistakes. Let the other team do that.
Not exactly a vote of confidence for any offense.
It is also readily apparent Solari is still struggling in his second season calling the plays. Calling the attack predictable does not begin to define how rudimentary the offense had become through the first three weeks. The Chiefs ran on first down eleven straight times against the Vikings in Week Three. Larry Johnson continually was asked to run into eight and nine-man fronts. The Chiefs seemingly only pass on obvious passing situations, which keeps no defense off guard.
Solari needs to learn the rhythm of the game, find a groove and be able to adjust based on what matchups he can exploit. Some of that comes from experience, some of that simply comes from trusting your instincts.
Of course, the discussion on whats wrong with the Chiefs offense cannot be explored without the players holding some accountability. The offensive line has struggled, getting manhandled in Chicago and at home against Minnesota. For Larry Johnson to so little room to run through the early part of the season speaks volumes for how far the quality of the line has fallen.
Damon Huard is the conductor and needs to take some of the responsibility as well. His throw towards the end zone into triple coverage resulted in an enormous Bears interception in Week Two. Huard also did himself no favors by continually checking down to the running back in the first half against the Vikings instead of testing the weak secondary deep. Finally, he began taking chances in the second half against the Chargers and it worked beautifully.
With an issue so diverse, its never as simple as pointing the finger one direction. Unfortunately for Chiefs Nation, it also means its that much harder to fix.
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As the Chiefs offense sputtered to an inglorious start before last weekend, the question remains why? Is it Carl Peterson? Is it Herm Edwards? Could it be Mike Solari? Maybe the players themselves? Heck, for good measure lets throw in K.C. Wolf.
