The question on everyone’s mind after the Kansas City Chiefs’ recent loss to the Chargers: Is the Mahomes-led dynasty over? The NFL world is buzzing, with many analysts and fans debating the future of the Chiefs after this rough start to the season. Colin Cowherd, a prominent voice in sports media, offers some critical insights into the Chiefs’ current struggles and their potential path forward, painting a picture of a highly competitive AFC West and some tough competition from other teams.

The Chiefs’ Struggles: A Tough Start to the Season

The Chiefs’ 27-21 loss to the Chargers was a bitter pill for Chiefs Kingdom to swallow. Despite Patrick Mahomes putting up over 250 yards and finding Travis Kelce for a late touchdown, it wasn’t enough to overcome a dominant performance by Justin Herbert. Herbert threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns, making key plays when it mattered, including a back-breaking 19-yard scramble late in the game. The Chargers’ win wasn’t about heart—it was about execution and who stepped up when the game was on the line.

Mahomes acknowledged his own struggles post-game, taking responsibility for missed throws and the overall lack of execution from both the offense and defense. “We didn’t come out with the right mindset,” Mahomes said. “We didn’t execute, and they beat us.” It’s clear that the Chiefs’ performance fell short of expectations, especially given the high hopes surrounding their high-powered offense and Super Bowl aspirations.

Chiefs’ Weaknesses: Offensive Chemistry and Protection Issues

Several key players were missing or unavailable for the Chiefs, which significantly impacted their offensive chemistry. With Rashi Rice suspended, Jaylen Royals out, and Xavier Worthy nursing an injury, the Chiefs’ offense struggled with consistency. Hollywood Brown showed flashes of potential but couldn’t find that necessary consistency. When the offense needs to click, timing is crucial, and the Chiefs missed that rhythm throughout much of the game.

On top of that, the offensive line and pass protection issues were evident. The Chiefs’ opening script lacked the flow and rhythm needed to get the offense rolling. Many plays ended up in second-and-long situations, which placed the Chiefs behind the chains and made it more difficult to gain momentum. The timing of routes was off, and by the time the Chiefs settled into a rhythm, the Chargers had already built a sufficient lead.

What’s Behind the Struggles? A Changing AFC West

Cowherd suggests that the AFC West is just too competitive for the Chiefs to continue winning with slim margins. The division has become stronger across the board, with teams like the Chargers improving and other contenders like the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders showing flashes of talent. The Chargers, despite their injuries, came out strong, with Herbert playing brilliantly and his receivers stepping up. Quinton Johnston and Keenan Allen were major contributors, and it’s clear that the Chargers are a dangerous team when healthy.

Cowherd also emphasizes that teams like the Ravens, Eagles, and Packers have stronger rosters than the Chiefs. While the Chiefs have Mahomes and a talented roster, the competition in the AFC is getting more difficult, and the Chiefs may struggle to maintain their dominance in a more level playing field.

The NFL, according to Cowherd, is designed to pull the best teams back toward the middle. In the era of salary caps and free agency, it’s nearly impossible for teams to maintain success year after year without significant roster turnover. Teams like the Ravens, Eagles, and Packers have been able to hit on multiple draft picks while maintaining solid rosters despite big contracts to star players. This balance has allowed them to stay competitive, even with high salaries and salary cap constraints.

Mahomes and the Dynasty: Is it Over?

While the Chiefs’ dynasty may be facing its first real test, it’s not over yet. Mahomes is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and the Chiefs are more than capable of bouncing back. However, there are undeniable challenges ahead. Cowherd points out that once you pay a quarterback like Mahomes, the team has to rely on hitting on draft picks and maintaining depth across the roster. While players like Rasheed Rice have shown promise, consistency is key, and the Chiefs’ receiving corps needs to step up.

The Chiefs also need to address some key issues on defense. Despite having one of the best defensive coordinators in Steve Spagnuolo, the defense struggled to apply consistent pressure on Herbert. Chris Jones, despite being a leader, couldn’t provide enough complementary pressure, and the secondary allowed too many big plays, especially to younger Chargers receivers.

Cowherd also reminds us that in the NFL, the league is engineered to bring the best teams back to the pack. It’s not like college football, where recruiting can create a perpetual dynasty. In the NFL, teams like the Chiefs face challenges in maintaining success over a long period, especially when competing against teams like the Ravens, Eagles, and Packers, who have strong rosters and excellent coaching staffs.

The Path Forward: Adjustments and Reflection

Despite the tough loss, there are plenty of lessons to be learned for the Chiefs. Mahomes himself admitted that the team needs to start faster and be more focused from the opening whistle. “We didn’t come out with the right mindset,” he said. “The Chargers came out with more energy than we did.” This is a sign of the Chiefs’ need to refine their approach, especially against tough divisional rivals.

Cowherd also suggests that the Chiefs need to adjust their offensive game plan and start quicker, possibly by leaning into tempo and quick game schemes. This would help Mahomes get into a rhythm early, with quick passes and designed plays for players like Kelce and Hollywood Brown. By simplifying the early offense, Mahomes can build confidence, and the Chiefs can regain control of the game’s tempo.

Defensively, the Chiefs must continue to find ways to generate pressure on the quarterback. The team can’t afford to rely solely on Chris Jones; they need to be more aggressive with their pass rush and secondary coverage. One of the Chiefs’ most significant weaknesses in the loss to the Chargers was the inability to cover younger, faster receivers. Fixing those coverage issues will be key as they move forward into a challenging AFC playoff race.

The AFC West: What’s at Stake?

The loss to the Chargers is more than just a blip on the radar. It’s a crucial early-season setback that could impact the Chiefs’ playoff positioning later in the year. The Chargers now hold the early divisional tiebreaker, and the Chiefs must respond with a cleaner performance next week to regain control of the division. The Chiefs also face a tough matchup against the Eagles on September 14, a game that could serve as a statement for the season and a chance to reset the narrative.

Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid both recognize that the Chiefs need to come out sharper and play with more urgency moving forward. This season is far from over, but it will take a focused, disciplined effort to get back to the top of the AFC and keep the dynasty alive.

Conclusion: Is the Dynasty Over?

The Chiefs’ dynasty may be facing its first real challenge, but it’s far from over. Mahomes is still one of the best in the game, and with the right adjustments, the Chiefs can bounce back from this early loss. The competition in the AFC is fierce, but the Chiefs have the tools to remain in contention. It will require improvement across the board, especially in terms of consistency, execution, and defensive pressure.

While the Chiefs are facing new challenges, they still have a solid foundation to build on. With Mahomes at the helm and the right adjustments made, the dynasty could very well continue. The road ahead is tough, but for the Chiefs, it’s all about responding to adversity and proving that they can rise to the occasion once again.