NFL analyst and senior producer Greg Cosell has provided a detailed breakdown of the persistent offensive issues plaguing the defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, during the 2025 NFL season. His insights came during a recent appearance on the popular Ross Tucker Football Podcast.
Cosell's Diagnosis: A Broken Offensive Structure
When asked about the Chiefs' underwhelming performance, Cosell was direct. "Offensively, they were not very good this year," he stated. He pointed out that the team's problems are not new, highlighting a troubling trend where the Chiefs have averaged just 22 points per game over the last three seasons, including 2025.
Cosell explained the delicate balance in the Chiefs' offense. While superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes is renowned for his breathtaking plays outside the designed structure, relying on that magic week after week is unsustainable. "As great as Mahomes is outside of structure, it is hard to be consistent that way," Cosell noted. He observed that in 2025, the offense too often crossed the line from creative improvisation into disarray, lacking a reliable, precise passing game.
Key Factors Behind the Struggle
Cosell identified several specific reasons for the offensive slump. The absence of wide receiver Rashee Rice for the first six games was a significant blow. Furthermore, rookie Xavier Worthy, despite his record-breaking 4.21-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine, has not developed into the consistent deep threat the team envisioned.
This has resulted in a noticeable lack of vertical throws in the Chiefs' playbook. Cosell also mentioned ongoing issues with the offensive line, compounding the problems. The cumulative effect is an offense that struggles to find a reliable rhythm, forcing Mahomes to constantly create miracles.
Injury Crisis Hits Chiefs Ahead of Titans Clash
The Chiefs' challenges have been dramatically compounded by a severe injury list ahead of their Week 16 showdown against the Tennessee Titans. According to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, a staggering nine key players are set to miss the game.
The list includes receiver Rashee Rice, who is still in concussion protocol after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Most devastatingly, quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL in that same loss. He underwent successful surgery in Dallas, with doctors confirming the injury was fixable with no additional damage to nerves or arteries.
Head coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in Mahomes' recovery mindset, saying, "He's so positive right now... I think he'll do great with the rehab." Veteran backup Gardner Minshew will start the final three games of the season. Reid acknowledged this as a major opportunity for the seven-year pro.
Cosell's analysis, combined with this wave of injuries, paints a picture of a championship team facing its most significant adversity in years, fighting to rediscover its offensive identity while navigating an unprecedented health crisis.
