NFL Roundtable: Is it time for Kansas City to hit the panic button?

Each week we sit down with TwinSpires columnists Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Scott Shapiro to discuss the latest news from around the NFL. Today they weigh in on Kansas City's struggles, Ja'Marr Chase's fast start, and Cam Newton's potential landing spot.

The Chiefs are now 1-2 after losing to the Chargers on Sunday. Is it time for Kansas City to hit the panic button?

Ashley: Not quite, although the Chiefs’ play through three games is definitely concerning. This team has looked far from the domineering presence it was a season ago, but the Chiefs still own one of the most lethal offenses in the league. Their 12-point halftime deficit to Cleveland was nearly erased by the end of the third quarter in Week 1, and Kansas City scored 17 unanswered points in Week 3 against the Chargers. This team can rack up points fast, and if it weren’t for the late turnovers, K.C. might have beaten both Baltimore and Los Angeles. Mahomes is too good to keep throwing the ball away and will get the offense back in order quickly. The defense, on the other hand, has a lot to clean up to make this team a true Super Bowl contender.

James: No. Defense and turnovers have cost Kansas City the last two weeks, but with 14 games left to play, the Chiefs can still turn things around. The defense, which ranks 30th in yards allowed and is tied for 31st in scoring defense, must improve in the coming weeks. After a recent stretch in which five straight possessions were stopped by turnovers, Kansas City needs to take better care of the football.

Scott: Kansas City has not been at their best to start the 2021 campaign, as evidenced by their 1-2 record, but it is not time to hit the panic button. Not only have they had a challenging schedule over the first three weeks, but they rank towards the bottom of the NFL in turnover differential, in large part due to three early season interceptions from Patrick Mahomes. Look for the Chiefs to limit their mistakes moving forward and prove they are once again amongst the best teams in the league.

Ja’Marr Chase just became the first rookie in NFL history to have four receiving touchdowns in his first three games. Is it time to jump on his +1100 Offensive Rookie of the Year odds?

Ashley: Only one receiver (Odell Beckham Jr.) has claimed Offensive Rookie of the Year in the last decade, but Chase is an intriguing pick to win this fairly QB-centric award. The rookie quarterback class has been underwhelming, and this year’s top two draft picks, Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson, have each thrown seven interceptions through their first three games. Chase will go up against some difficult defenses down the stretch, where his numbers might take a hit, but he’s worth backing at +1100, based on his performance so far.

James: Yes. Ja’Marr Chase made a remarkable catch on his first touchdown in Week 3, and Cincinnati’s offense is improving because of his dynamic play. After sitting out last season, Chase needed time to acclimate to the speed of the NFL, and opposing secondaries now can’t keep up with him. If he stays healthy, he is going to be a great receiver.

Scott: After an extremely poor training camp and preseason, Ja’Marr Chase has shown why many considered him the best receiving prospect since Amari Cooper. With the rookie quarterbacks struggling to start their careers, the former LSU star offers great value at his current price at TwinSpires Sportsbook. Jumping in now is not a bad idea at all!

We’ve seen some shaky quarterback play during the first three weeks. Which team will cave in first and sign Cam Newton?

Ashley: The Miami Dolphins could potentially use Cam’s help, should Tua Tagovailoa need more time to heal from the broken ribs he suffered in Week 2. Backup Jacoby Brissett has yet to record a passing touchdown in Tua’s absence and will face two tough defenses (the Colts and Bucs) in the coming weeks. The Dolphins rank in the bottom six in yards per game, first downs per game, and time of possession. Newton could provide a much-needed spark and some added insurance on the depth chart, considering Tua’s injury history.

James: It’s too early to say. Newton would love to join a serious playoff contender that loses its quarterback to injury, but given he’s an aging quarterback whose best days are behind him, many teams will have no interest in him regardless of the scenario. The winless New York Giants, which have blown fourth quarter leads the last two weeks, are a possible candidate.

Scott: Great question. Newton was not himself last year in New England, but there are definitely several teams that could use his experience and athleticism. This includes the Washington Football Team, who lost Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 1, and have seen up and down play thus far from his replacement, Taylor Heinicke. With Newton’s former head coach in Carolina at the helm, it makes sense that the WFT could cave in and sign the 2015 NFL MVP.