The Kansas City Chiefs had us all fooled for a minute. Through most of the 2024 season, they looked like that team, clean, controlled, practically untouchable. But then came that Super Bowl night, and boom… Philly tore right through the illusion. The Eagles didn’t just beat the Chiefs, they exposed their shaky offense. It looked like it was running on fumes. Honestly, the cracks had been there during the regular season, too, but when you are putting wins in the column, nobody asks too many questions. Now, with the 31st overall pick and a bruised reputation, Andy Reid‘s team has got a lot of homework to do.
But it’s not just about scouting fresh talent. Behind the scenes, Reid admits the offseason itself has been a bit of a hurdle. The Chiefs’ HC spoke to the media virtually on Monday ahead of the draft. One of the interviewers asked Reid about the virtual side of things: “Hey, coach, a couple of quick questions here, kind of on that virtual side of it. What have you learned about maybe yourself and your coaching staff doing this stuff virtually, and, you know, engagement from the players and all that?” And his response? A gem.
In the offseason, teams often have to hold virtual meetings before the full in-person practices begin. Responding to the question, Andy said, “I don’t know about that. You know, we’ve tried to, myself included, try to be teachers, be the best teachers we possibly can,” he said. The 67-year-old admitted that without in-person energy, it’s a different kind of test.
Credits – Imago
“You know, it tests you a little bit when you’re doing it virtually. Um, you’re not necessarily seeing the reaction of the player there as you have the big screen on. And you’re going through the plays. So, you’re not playing off the crowd, I guess you’d say.” Well, Reid’s been trying to teach and elevate his players behind a screen, despite the virtual challenges. When you have to make a comeback after such a brutal loss, you’ve got to find ways to make everything right.
Other than that, the coach also provided an update on WR Rashee Rice‘s injury.
Andy Reid gives the lowdown on Rashee Rice’s injury
The Chiefs‘ WR depth chart took a hit when Rashee Rice was forced to exit the season after Week 4. Rice suffered a season-ending knee injury following a collision with QB Patrick Mahomes in the game against the Chargers. The 24-year-old was placed on IR after the injury and underwent surgery to repair his LCL and hamstring. Rashee recorded 24 receptions for 288 yards and two TDs in the four games he played.
That wasn’t the only blow to the Chiefs’ offense. TE Jared Wiley, their 2024 fourth-round pick, also tore his ACL in practice and was subsequently placed on IR. He caught one pass for 7 yards and played in 94 offensive snaps before his injury. Now, HC Andy Reid has provided an update on both players’ recovery statuses.
KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 05: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice 4 before an NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs on September 5, 2024 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire NFL: SEP 05 Ravens at Chiefs EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2409050131
While unsure about their return, Reid shared, “They’re doing well. I can’t tell you when they will be back exactly. Both have been busting their tail. They’re running, which is good. We’ll just see how it goes going forward here. We don’t have them here on the field right now with us, so we’ve got to see the football part of it as we go.” Reid also shared that he’s excited to start the season again. “It’s been fun to go back in and dig in on the season and either come up with new things, or correct the things that we still like and are bringing back.” That would be great, indeed.
So, with key players on the mend and the season approaching, it will be interesting to see how Andy Reid fine-tunes the Chiefs’ game plan for a successful comeback.
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