The Kansas City Chiefs came into this season shocking everybody with their success.
Nobody expected league MVP Patrick Mahomes to become so good in his sophomore season, and trading away Alex Smith initially brought some doubt to the organization's decision making.
Instead, the team came out into the season with something to prove. They went 12-4 on the season and finished first overall in the AFC West Division.
Their offense ranked first in the overall in the entire league. They averaged 35.3 points per game under head coach Andy Ried. Their defense was a bit suspect, allowing 26.3 points per game.
Mahomes threw for 5,097 yards with 50 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions. His completion percentage sat at 66.0 percent. He also led the NFL in quarterback rating with an 82.0 overall output.
Unfortunately, they were knocked out in the AFC championship game by the New England Patriots, who wound up winning yet another Super Bowl.
The Chiefs need a lot of work defensively to get back to the conference championship, and here are three pressing questions for them coming into the offseason.
3. Who will be their feature running back?
Eleven games into the season, the Kansas City Chiefs lost their running back Kareem Hunt, who was on pace to have an MVP-like season. He was released after a video came out of him assaulting a woman.
Losing him was a huge loss in terms of on-field production. Spencer Ware and Damien Williams helped fill the gap, but there are still questions about the long-term plans at the position.
The team could look to the draft to pick one up, but it's more likely that they will sign a free agent.
Adrian Peterson and C.J. Anderson would both be viable options to give Reid even more depth in the backfield.
2. Can Mahomes repeat his success?
Mahomes has proven that he's the best quarterback coming into the league since Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers.
He's able to scramble and freelance like Rodgers, and he clearly has the IQ and throwing arm of an elite gunslinger.
There's no reason why he would be a one-hit wonder, even if some critics doubt that he'll be able to produce the same type of insane numbers next season.
Mahomes has all the tools and the offensive system to thrive for at least a decade.
1. How should they improve their defense?
The Chiefs have an excellent pass rush overall.
However, their ability in coverage and in stopping the run is lacking. Pro-Football Focus ranked their front seven and secondary separately 17th overall in the entire NFL, and a defensive overhaul may be required in several key areas.
The team should definitely look to the draft to bolster their defense, as that's certainly a top priority.
Drafting a nose tackle and a defensive back or two would really help turn their defense around as they look to try to get to the Super Bowl next season.
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