KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in unfamiliar territory with an 0-2 record.
The last time the Chiefs began the season 0-2 was in 2014, Andy Reid’s second year as coach. The Chiefs missed the playoffs that season but are hoping this year’s team can bounce back and contend for the AFC West title and a spot in the AFC title game. A win Sunday on the road against the Giants would be a big first step in that journey.
“We haven’t won a game, so I understand,” Reid said. “I get it. But we’ll keep pushing and working forward and see what we can do going down the road here.”
The road has been bumpy thus far as the Chiefs lost their opener to the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil then lost at home to the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Chiefs have struggled offensively. Mahomes has completed 40 of 68 passes for 445 yards and two touchdowns and an interception. He’s also the team’s leading rusher with 123 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Mahomes, of course, has been playing without his top two wide receivers Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (shoulder). Worthy was injured early against the Chargers and missed week against the Eagles. Worthy, though, practiced this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game as the Chiefs look to avoid starting 0-3.
“We’ve had stretches where we’ve lost big games consecutively and guys have responded,” Mahomes said. “It’s about the character of the guys in the locker room. And they’re going to use this as motivation to be better.”
Running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have 47 yards rushing apiece, but Pacheco might have added incentive as he will be returning home to his native New Jersey. Pacheco, who played collegiately at Rutgers, said he will have about 50 friends and family in the stands.
“Going back home is always exciting,” Pacheco said. “Being that close and being able to see people in the stands that I haven’t seen in months is exciting. But most importantly I’m going there on a mission.”
The Chiefs defense has four sacks on the season but has yet to force a turnover. Chris Jones, however, said the team’s energy is good and he expects the team to bounce back.
“It’s still the first quarter of the season,” Jones said. “You can’t get down on yourself. You have to continue to push each other and get the best out of each person.”
