Despite Defensive Dominance - Chiefs Drop Ball vs Eagles, Fall 21-17

The Chiefs' defensive performance should be the story, but the offensive struggles can't be ignored

The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense deserves to have their performance praised and multiple players deserve their flowers after Monday’s loss to the Eagles, but the offensive flaws are too much to ignore right now.

The Chiefs came into Monday’s game averaging scoring less than 6 points in the second half of games so far this season, which was dead-last in the NFL. Well, they were outscored 14-0 in the second half on Monday and it proved to be the difference.

The Eagles’ receivers made plays when it counted. The Chiefs’ receivers did not. Two red-zone turnovers and multiple drops in key situations were too much to overcome as Patrick Mahomes finished with one of his lowest outputs of his career - tossing for just 177 yards against a solid Eagles defense.

Here’s what stood out to KCSN’s Craig Stout and Matty Lane on Monday:

1.0 - Eagles Yards per Play in 2nd Quarter

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: the Kansas City Chiefs defense just went out and held one of the best offenses in the NFL well below their season averages, and they were easily the best unit on the field for either team.

Once again, Steve Spagnuolo’s defense stepped up in a big way, holding the Philadelphia Eagles 15.1 yards under their season long average per drive, netted 5 sacks while allowing 5 completions in the first half, forced a turnover, and kept the team in the game while the Chiefs offense sputtered their way through another dismal second half performance.

The biggest bright spot of the game came with just under two minutes to go in the first half. The Chiefs offense had just scored to give the team a seven point lead, and the defense took the field with 1:45 to go. On first down, Trent McDuffie – who was an absolute star yet again for this defense – came up with his second sack of the day on a slot blitz.

Drue Tranquill made an outstanding play on second and long to prevent a short reception from turning into a big one, and George Karlaftis collapsed the pocket on third and long to notch a zero-yard sack and force a punt. The Chiefs were able to go down the field and score points just before the half, extending their lead to 10 points and preventing the Eagles from obtaining any kind of momentum. That was indicative of the entire second quarter, as the team allowed just 11 yards on 11 plays and helped shut down yet another really good offense.