Chiefs face Jets this Sunday while seeking to end losing streak

The New York Jets travel to Kansas City this Sunday for their ninth game of the 2026 season, facing a Chiefs team looking to snap a two-game losing streak. Following a 5-0 start, the Chiefs have struggled defensively, allowing 48 combined points in their last two outings, according to Yahoo Sports.

Why is the Chiefs’ defense struggling?

The recent defensive slide in Kansas City appears to be more than just a temporary dip in form against tough opponents. Maurice Elston of Arrowhead Pride notes that the Chiefs are currently facing systemic issues, most notably a lack of consistent pressure on the quarterback. With only nine sacks through seven games, the team ranks near the bottom of the league in sack and pressure rates. This inability to disrupt the pocket has left the secondary vulnerable, as opposing offenses have more time to identify and exploit favorable matchups.

The pressure problem is compounded by a trend of opposing coaches choosing to be aggressive on fourth down. By extending possessions, opponents are keeping the Chiefs’ offense—and specifically Patrick Mahomes—off the field for extended periods. While the Chiefs held the Denver Broncos to a low conversion rate on third downs, the Broncos successfully converted on two of two fourth-down attempts, illustrating the tactical difficulty the Chiefs face in getting off the field.

How has the offense changed with Kenneth Walker?

The Chiefs’ offensive resurgence this year is largely attributed to the addition of running back Kenneth Walker. After years of lacking a dynamic, home-run threat in the backfield, Walker has already tallied 770 rushing yards through seven games. For context, this output surpasses the season-long totals of Kansas City’s leading rushers in both 2024 and 2025, when Kareem Hunt recorded 728 and 611 yards respectively.

This shift has forced opposing defenses to stop playing light boxes. By forcing opponents to account for the run, the Chiefs have opened up the field for play-action concepts and under-center formations. Before an injury sidelined Tyquan Thornton, the combination of Walker’s running and Thornton’s vertical speed created a balanced attack that was difficult to defend. The challenge for Kansas City now is maintaining that offensive efficiency while dealing with current injuries.

What is the outlook for the 2026 draft class?

The Chiefs’ 2026 draft class has been described by Arrowhead Pride as a group with a high ceiling, led by first-round selection Mansoor Delane.

R Mason Thomas has shown natural ability as a pass rusher, though he is still learning to turn pressures into sacks.
Emmett Johnson has emerged as a versatile weapon, contributing significantly as a receiver and pass-protecting back, highlighted by a 143-yard scrimmage performance against Denver.
Jadon Canady has seen increased playing time in the secondary due to injuries, while Peter Woods remains a talented but inconsistent contributor currently managing a neck injury.

Who are the unsung heroes of this roster?

Beyond the high-profile names, the Chiefs rely on contributors who provide stability during injury-plagued stretches. On offense, Emmett Johnson has become a vital piece of the rotation, offering value as a blocker, runner, and pass catcher. Defensively, Christian Roland-Wallace has stepped into a larger role following L’Jarius Sneed’s placement on injured reserve. His versatility—moving between the slot and the outside—has made him one of the most improved players on the unit.

How should an opponent approach this matchup?

An opposing head coach looking to dismantle the Chiefs would likely focus on two primary strategies. First, on defense, the goal is to crowd the line of scrimmage to neutralize the run game while playing physical man coverage on the receivers. Without Thornton’s vertical threat, teams are finding it easier to stack the box and dare the remaining wideouts to win one-on-one.

Conversely, when attacking the Kansas City defense, the blueprint involves isolating linebackers in space against dynamic tight ends or receiving backs. Aggressive fourth-down play-calling remains a consistent theme for opponents, as it keeps the Chiefs’ defense on the field and exploits the current lack of pass-rush depth. As the Jets prepare for Sunday’s kickoff, the outcome will likely hinge on whether they can sustain these long, methodical drives or if the Chiefs’ young draft class can step up to bridge the gap left by current injuries.