How AFC Contenders Can Catch the Chiefs: Zero Blitz Breaks Down the Blueprint
The Kansas City Chiefs have established themselves as the team to beat in the AFC, but that doesn’t mean other contenders should lose hope. On a recent episode of Zero Blitz, hosted by Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab, the duo delved into each AFC contender’s current situation and offered their blueprint for how these teams can compete with the Chiefs in the playoffs in the next year or two.
Before diving into the analysis, Fitz and Schwab took a moment to acknowledge the tragic shooting in Kansas City and offer their condolences. It’s a somber reminder that sports are just a small part of life, and there are more important things to focus on.
Moving on to the breaking news around the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers made a surprising decision to part ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks after a shaky playoff run. This move raised questions about what went wrong for Wilks in the Bay. Meanwhile, Chris Jones, a key player for the Chiefs, made it clear that he intends to stay in Kansas City despite being a free agent. The duo discussed whether Jones will actually return to the Chiefs in 2024, adding another layer of intrigue to the offseason.
The conversation then shifted to the ongoing debate surrounding Kyle Shanahan’s in-game decisions during Super Bowl LVIII. Many have criticized Shanahan for his play-calling, questioning whether he deserves the heat he’s getting. Fitz and Schwab weighed in on this contentious topic, offering their own perspectives on Shanahan’s performance.
With the Chiefs firmly established as the team to beat, Fitz and Schwab turned their attention to each AFC contender and analyzed their current situations. They started with the Baltimore Ravens, a team known for their strong defense and dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson. The duo discussed how the Ravens can improve their passing game to match up against the high-powered Chiefs offense.
Next on the list were the Cincinnati Bengals, a team with promising young quarterback Joe Burrow. Fitz and Schwab highlighted the need for the Bengals to bolster their offensive line to protect Burrow and give him more time to make plays.
The Buffalo Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, were also on the radar. Fitz and Schwab emphasized the importance of the Bills’ defense stepping up and finding ways to slow down the Chiefs’ explosive offense.
The Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, and Cleveland Browns were all given their due attention as well. Each team was analyzed in terms of their strengths and weaknesses, with Fitz and Schwab providing valuable insights on how these teams can close the gap with the Chiefs.
In conclusion, while the Chiefs may be the team to beat in the AFC, there is hope for other contenders. Zero Blitz’s breakdown of each AFC contender’s current situation and blueprint for success against the Chiefs offers a glimmer of optimism for fans of these teams. With the right adjustments and improvements, these contenders have a realistic chance of catching up to the Chiefs in the next season or two. The AFC race is far from over, and it will be fascinating to see how these teams rise to the challenge.
