One quirky aspect to the Chiefs’ troubles that no one is talking about
Coach Andy Reid spoke with the media Monday and repeated what has been the underlying theme of the Chiefs’ 2025 season.
The Chiefs need to clean up some things. You’ve heard that before, right?
But, Reid also talked about where the Chiefs’ next game will be played, and it’s important given how this season has unfolded.
“We’ll head through these practices coming up and get ourselves ready to play against a good Texans team. And they are good,” Reid said. “They’re one of the top defenses in the National Football League, top third-down defense in the National Football League, and they’ve got a great defensive front and so on.
“But again, we get ourselves ready to play, and that’s our primary focus. We’re fortunate to play here at home at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium with our fans, and we know we tighten up a couple of things here.”
The Chiefs have a 6-6 record and likely will need to win all five of their remaining games to make the postseason. Fortunately, three of those games are at home, starting Sunday night against the Texans, as Reid noted.
In what has been an odd season for the Chiefs, who have the sixth-best scoring differential (plus-73) in the NFL, there is an unusual trend that is not being talked about much. It’s not the third-down defense or penalties.
The Chiefs have the most lopsided difference in success at home compared to the road. This season, the Chiefs have the second-fewest road victories and the third-most home wins.
Here are the teams with the worst road record:
0-8: Giants
1-5: Chiefs, Browns, Raiders, Commanders and Saints
1-4: Jets, Dolphins and Titans
These teams have the best home records:
6-0: Broncos
6-1: Colts
5-1: Chiefs, Bills and Rams
The Chiefs’ four-win difference between home and road games is tied for the most in the NFL this season (with the Colts). The Dolphins have won three more games at home compared to the road, while five teams have a two-victory difference.
For the Chiefs to have a shot at the playoffs, they’ll need to win their remaining home games and possibly their two road contests.
Jon Gruden Sounds Alarm on Jaxson Dart: 'Reckless Style Is a Ticking Time Bomb for His Career'
Jon Gruden, former NFL head coach and renowned football analyst, has raised serious concerns about New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart’s playing style, warning that his reckless approach could cut his promising career short. In a candid and blunt assessment, Gruden highlighted the risks Dart is taking by consistently putting himself in harm's way, stating,
Dart, one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league, has made a name for himself with his impressive athleticism and fearless play. His ability to extend plays with his legs and evade tacklers has dazzled Giants fans, but it has also raised concerns from seasoned analysts like Gruden, who knows better than most the brutal toll football can take on a player’s body.
Gruden’s critique centers on the fact that Dart, despite his undeniable talent, is often putting himself in dangerous situations by taking unnecessary hits. The nature of his playing style, which includes scrambling and lowering his body into tackles, may be thrilling in the short term, but Gruden warns that this could shorten his career if he doesn’t adjust. As Gruden put it,
While Dart has shown the heart and toughness to lead his team, it’s clear that his approach to playing the quarterback position needs refinement. Gruden’s comments echo the sentiment that a quarterback’s ability to protect himself is just as important as his ability to perform. Many successful quarterbacks — including the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen — are known for their ability to make plays with their legs, but they also know when to slide, get out of bounds, or avoid contact altogether.
Dart’s reckless approach may have garnered attention in the early stages of his career, but if he doesn’t modify his playing style, his health — and the Giants' season — could be at risk. The long-term success of a quarterback in the NFL depends on more than just raw talent; it requires the discipline and foresight to play smart, protect oneself, and avoid unnecessary hits.
With Gruden’s warning now out in the open, all eyes are on Dart to see if he can make the necessary adjustments before it’s too late. The Giants will need their quarterback to stay healthy if they are to contend for the future, and Dart’s development as a quarterback will depend on his ability to balance his playmaking ability with smarter decisions on the field.
As the season unfolds, it remains to be seen if Dart will heed Gruden’s advice or continue down a path that could ultimately lead to his downfall.
