Kansas City Chiefs made most dangerous by depth of weapons
The Kansas City Chiefs are known for Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. Yet, it’s the addition of their secondary weapons which make them almost impossible to stop.
Kansas City is trying to defend its first title in 50 years, and comes into 2020 as the betting favorite to hoist the Lombardi Trophy once more. While Mahomes, Kelce and Hill are certainly deserving of top billing, the performers alongside them are also worthy of substantial praise.
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Among them is veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins, entering his third year with Kansas City and seventh in the NFL. In 2019, Watkins signed a three-year, $48 million deal and was solid during the regular season, catching catching 40 passes for 519 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games. Last year, Watkins played 14 games and notched 52 catches for 673 yards and another three scores.
However, it’s Watkins’ hidden value which causes such problems. This has been highlighted in the postseason. With teams focusing additionally on Hill and Kelce with double teams and safety rotations, Watkins has feasted. In five playoff games with the Kansas City Chiefs, Watkins has caught 24 passes on 34 targets for 464 yards and a touchdown. Â In only one of those contests was Watkins held below 75 yards.
Watkins talked about his role and the understanding of his value on Friday, per Adam Teicher of ESPN:
“I can go out there and do whatever lead receivers do, whatever the Julio Joneses, the Tyreek Hills, the Travis Kelces [do],” Watkins said. “Anybody you can name that’s great, I can do the same thing. But I think I help the team just by going out on the field with my presence and my energy and just how I play the game. That’s enough for me.
“I’m [27] years old. … Hopefully I can get back on the right road, catching a lot of balls and scoring a lot of touchdowns. But that doesn’t control my [thoughts] of how good I am. I don’t let that dictate my reality.”
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However, Watkins is far from the only secondary weapon to wax about.
Mecole Hardman is entering his second year and looks to be an emerging star. As a rookie, Hardman led the league with 20.7 yards per reception, catching 41 passes for 538 yards and six touchdowns. Hardman was also named Second-Team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl as a returner.
Finally, Clyde Edwards-Helaire enters the fold as a first-round rookie running back out of LSU. The national champion caught 55 passes as a junior in 2019 while rushing for 1,414 yards and six scores. His multi-talented background is a perfect fit for Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid’s offensive symphony.
Kansas City is defined by its headliners, but the undercard is every bit as dangerous.
