It's a hard pill to swallow for fans and followers of the two-time defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs: they aren't playing like a contender currently, and the biggest reason is underwhelming performances by the individuals most important to the team's success.
The Chiefs were built to outscore opponents with an overpowering pass game. The defense was never expected to carry the load, and the rushing attack wasn't supposed to be a primary feature; this team was always going to live or die by the efficiency and explosiveness of throwing the ball.
That phase of the game was trending down in recent weeks — but it all came to a head in Week 7 against the Tennessee Titans.