Andy Reid Takes Blame from Mahomes, Chiefs' 4th-Down Failures in Loss vs. Texans

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid regretted some of his play-calling in Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans.

Reid was specifically frustrated about Kansas City's two failed fourth-down attempts in the fourth quarter.

"I put the guys, offensively, in a tough position with the fourth downs [calls]," he told reporters. "I was trying to stay aggressive with it. I take full responsibility for that. I thought we could get it. It's important that you take advantage of opportunities. In hindsight, it was wrong. I messed that one up."

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In particular, the decision to go for it on 4th-and-1 on is own 31-yard line backfired for the legendary coach. Patrick Mahomes had to evade pressure and forced a pass to Rashee Rice over the middle.

At the time, the Chiefs and Texans were deadlocked at 10 points apiece. Houston took full advantage of its great field position, and Dare Ogunbowale scored on a five-yard touchdown run.

Kansas City went for it again with 5:31 on the clock, which resulted in another incomplete pass to Rice. On that occasion, Rice dropped what would've been a first-down catch.

Reid's gambles reflected the fact the Chiefs offense couldn't get much going against Houston. Mahomes threw three interceptions, and Kansas City gained a total of 274 yards. Bold thinking is required on nights like this.

The Texans, who had 268 yards of offense, weren't any better, so it's fair to ask whether the risk behind that 4th-and-1 attempt was worth it. Converting would've provided the Chiefs with a spark, but not converting gave Houston a big helping hand.

And Ogunbowale's touchdown was clearly the turning point in retrospect.