5 reasons the Chiefs are better than last year
The Kansas City Chiefs won their first Super Bowl title in 50 years only four months ago. However, there’s a strong argument to be made the team is more equipped to dominate now. Here’s five reasons why:
5. Another rookie class of impact players
Kansas City general manager Brett Veach added a few players who figure to start right away. In the first round, it was running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire out of LSU. Edwards-Helaire was the top back taken in the draft and should be a great fit as a pass-catcher in Andy Reid’s offense. Additionally, Kansas City landed second-round linebacker Willie Gay Jr. out of Mississippi State. Gay is a rangy athlete who projects as well in coverage.
4. ContinuityÂ
The Chiefs did something almost no champion ever does … they brought the team back. Kansas City was able to retain 20 of its 22 starters. Incredibly, no player who played at least 58 percent of his unit’s snaps was lost. The closest was offensive swing lineman Cam Erving (57 percent) and safety/nickel corner Kendall Fuller (45 percent). Veach managed to retain receivers Demarcus Robinson and Sammy Watkins, cornerback Bashaud Breeland and defensive tackle Mike Pennel despite strong odds they would get good money elsewhere.
3. Maturation of second-year players
Wide receiver Mecole Hardman made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in the return game, but he also led the league for receivers with an average of better than 20 yards per catch. Hardman improved as the year went along, and looks to be on a terrific trajectory. Additionally, the Chiefs found another rising star in safety Juan Thornhill. Thornhill tore his ACL in Week 17 but before that, was playing elite football as a center-field type. Look for him to take the next step, as he’s on track to return before the start of the season.
2. Andy Reid is the head coach, and his staff rocks
Let’s not overthink it. Reid is one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. He ranks sixth-all time in wins and now has a Super Bowl under his belt. The Chiefs have a mastermind running the offense, and the staff under him includes coordinators Eric Bieniemy, Steve Spagnuolo and special teams wizard Dave Toub. Bieniemy and Toub are arguably the best league-wide at their job, while Spagnuolo is top five.
1. Patrick Mahomes and his weapons
Mahomes is the best player in the NFL, and he plays the most important position. He’s 24 years old and already has an MVP award, Super Bowl MVP and Lombardi Trophy in his case. He’s throwing to Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Watkins and Hardman. He’s handing off to Clyde-Helaire and Super Bowl LIV hero Damien Williams. His tackles are arguably the league’s best duo in Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz.
It’s a video game on rookie mode for the Chiefs.
