Denny Medley – USA Today Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs are not exactly the first team that comes to mind when hearing the phrase “high-flying offense.” In fact, they’re probably the last, as the team relies so heavily on RB Jamaal Charles.
However, after an entire season where QB Alex Smith threw not one touchdown pass to a wide receiver, the Chiefs’ front-office decided to bring in Jeremy Maclin in an attempt to never allow that to happen again.
Maclin had an outstanding season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014, making 85 receptions for 1,318 yards and 10 TDs. However, many attribute Maclin’s impressive numbers to playing in Chip Kelly‘s pass-first offensive attack. Essentially, Maclin’s been deemed by many as a product of Kelly’s system, and not truly the player stats suggest he is.
This theory is absolutely outrageous, painfully shortsighted at best, and nothing more than unsubstantiated rubbish when it comes down to it. And the greatest thing about the unwarranted criticism Maclin’s received, is now he truly has an opportunity to prove how ridiculous it is being in Kansas City, considering the Chiefs’ receivers were seemingly lost in the Bermuda Triangle at times last season. Thus, when he has a stellar campaign in 2015, he’ll silence the critics for good.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid knows full well what Maclin is capable of going back to their time together in Philadelphia. Maclin was not the top option at the time with the Eagles, but still managed to have three solid seasons under Reid between 2009-12, including a 2010 campaign in which Maclin accumulated 964 yards and 10 TDs.
In other words, Reid has gotten the best out of Maclin in the past, so there’s reason to believe it can happen again with a more than capable Smith at the helm under center.
Sure, this Chiefs’ offense will still be a run-first unit considering Charles’ presence. But if you know anything about Reid, you’re aware that in his heart of hearts, he’d prefer to be passing equally as much — if not more. Maclin will — if nothing else — now provide Reid an opportunity to implement pass plays that former No. 1 Dwayne Bowe just didn’t seem to be able or willing to make any longer.
The rest of the Chiefs’ receiving corps is less than impressive, so it’s fair to assume TE Travis Kelce will share the majority of looks with Maclin, with Kelce being the main red-zone option. At 6-feet tall and 200 pounds, Maclin’s not the type of player you want to be throwing fade routes to, as his skill-set suits him best for plays that rely on his speed after the catch.
Keep an eye on Chiefs training camp this summer — it’ll be interesting to see reports on how this unit gels initially. The AFC West is not exactly laden with impregnable defensive juggernauts, so there’s reason to believe this Chiefs team will not be anywhere near as inefficient in the passing game as was 2014’s, with Maclin being a huge reason for the improvement.
Timothy Downs is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. You can ‘like him’ on Facebook add him on Google or follow him Twitter @Tidow1212
