Key takeaways from first half of Chiefs vs. Texans

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This game has been an utter disappointment for the Kansas City Chiefs so far. With their seventh consecutive AFC West title on the line, the offense looks undisciplined, out of sorts and uninterested in playing an inferior Houston Texans team. Their opponents are energized, playing loose with absolutely nothing to lose, but with everything to gain by beating a team atop the AFC conference.

Here are a few quick takeaways from the first half of play:

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The first two offensive series weren’t good for Kansas City because they failed to attack the biggest weakness of the Texans’ defense. Houston has allowed a league-leading 2,156 rushing yards on 447 attempts through the first 13 games of the season. The Chiefs had just one rushing attempt on their first two series before back-to-back double-digit yardage rushes on their third series.

This isn’t just about getting yards on the ground, though. It’s about wearing down a defensive line that was just teeing off on Patrick Mahomes and the offensive line in the passing game. Getting the run game going is going to open up opportunities in the passing game or at least opportunities where Mahomes isn’t getting absolutely clobbered.

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The Texans are depleted on the offensive side of the ball, but still seem to have all the pieces needed to beat the Chiefs. Covering tight ends and running backs continues to be a problem for this defense. Rex Burkhead was a perfect 2-of-2 for 17 yards and Teagan Quitoriano with an eight-yard reception for a touchdown.

Contain in the running game has been a problem for the edge rushers at times. Rookie DE George Karlaftis had a lapse on Davis Mills’ touchdown run. They’ve also been allowing plenty of yards on the ground in the middle of the defense as well. They’ll need to get things tightened up here in the second half if they’re to find some success slowing the Houston offense.

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The Chiefs have two correctable problems that they need to get under control come playoff time. After Isiah Pacheco’s fumble, Kansas City now has nine consecutive games with some sort of turnover. They’ve been able to overcome those turnovers in most games, but this has become a persistent problem that has cost the team in some pivotal moments this season. It’s something that they must clean up ahead of the postseason if they’re going to find success against the best teams in the league.

Another persistent problem this season has been the misses on special teams in the kicking game. Harrison Butker missed another extra point ahead of halftime with a chance to tie the game. He’s now 28-of-31 on the season for extra points and 15-of-19 on field goals. He dealt with an ankle injury early in the season, but he’s well removed from that injury and should be back to form.