The Kansas City Chiefs are ramping up preparations for their divisional game against the Denver Broncos, coming off a short week. The Chiefs are also running high on confidence, currently on a 14-game winning streak, and remain focused on keeping that going. Heading into a week where they face a young, determined Denver team looking to rebound after suffering a crushing defeat last week.
During the Kansas City Chiefs mid-week team press conference, head Coach Andy Reid and players Patrick Mahomes, Trent McDuffie, and Mecole Hardman. Spoke on their injuries, most recent performance, and the team’s goals moving forward. Each of them made a consistent point that although they don’t have the same kind of counting stats as in years past the most important thing for them is winning, and even while they have been accomplishing that there remains room for growth.
Injury Updates and Offensive Line Strength
Head Coach Andy Reid for the Kansas City Chiefs began the press conference with injury updates, mentioning that JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tershawn Wharton would not participate in practice on Wednesday. He added that Patrick Mahomes’ ankle is “good to go” for practice, and he and the coaches will stay on top of managing Mahomes’ health. “We won’t have to back off of it,” Reid said.
Reid also discussed timelines for injured players for the Kansas City Chiefs like Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu, stating they are both progressing but won’t return this week. “We’re taking it week by week, day by day,” he said, emphasizing their steady improvement but cautioning that returns will be gradual. JuJu Smith-Schuster’s return also looks imminent, although not likely for this week.
Reid then moved on and gave praise to the interior offensive line’s unity and effectiveness for the Kansas City Chiefs. “Those three, they’re best buddies… They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” he said. The bond of the interior of the Chiefs’ interior line of Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey, and Joe Thuney has also allowed them to be one of if not the best three-lineman grouping in terms of pass blocking and protection, giving the offense strong support in both the run and pass game.
Player Development and Continued Growth On Offense
During his presser for the Kansas City Chiefs, Reid commended Xavier Worthy’s development saying, “He’s doing a good job,” even though his numbers have been lower in recent weeks. Reid noted Worthy’s impact often goes beyond the stat sheet, as his mere presence on the field creates openings for other players like Travis Kelce and DeAndre Hopkins. “There will be weeks where his number is called more,” Reid said, highlighting the fact that given his type of play style and abilities, integrating him more in the offense moving forward will not be a challenge.
Patrick Mahomes also touched on Worthy’s growth, saying, “Regardless of stats… the threat of him over the top is getting a whole lot of other guys open.” Mahomes believes Worthy’s speed is a key weapon, creating mismatches even if he isn’t targeted every play. Worthy’s role is expected to expand in the season’s second half, potentially mirroring last year’s progression of Rashee Rice.
Mahomes also spoke on DeAndre Hopkins’ seamless integration into the Kansas City Chiefs’ system. “He studies like crazy,” Mahomes said, appreciating Hopkins’ ability to put in the work and then have it translate so quickly out onto the field. The quarterback-receiver connection is evident between the two of them, and as Mahomes explained Hopkins knows the routes, and the more of them are on the field together, that will only lead to good results for this team, which has most recently shown in the latest contest.
Defensive Insights and Mindset Moving Forward
Defensive back Trent McDuffie spoke on the impact of new additions and the energy they bring to the Kansas City Chiefs. “Everyone that comes in brings a lot of energy,” he said, speaking on how these players have been able to adapt so quickly to the Chiefs’ philosophy. The stories and experiences they each bring to them only add to the team’s dynamic, keeping everyone engaged and motivated.
McDuffie also mentioned the defense’s commitment to stopping the run, saying “It’s everything, we talk about it all the time.” As a former nickel, he values the physical role that defensive backs play in run support, a key part of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system. “His defense, if you’re a defensive back, you got to tackle,” McDuffie said. This mindset is not only something McDuffie lives by, but the entire defensive side of the ball, and that’s why through nine weeks of the NFL season they are ranked as the third-best defense at stopping the run.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ most recent addition was linebacker Joshua Uche, who McDuffie believes will be a significant asset. “I’ve been able to watch Joshua over these past three years and watch him grow as a player. He’s one of those guys where the more confidence he has the better he plays,” McDuffie said. Confident that Uche’s confidence will only serve to bolster the Chiefs’ defensive front. He also mentioned that the veterans on their team have a role in helping Uche stay mentally prepared, improving his impact on the field.
Final Thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs remain cautious yet optimistic as they prepare for a matchup against the Broncos. Coach Reid acknowledged Denver’s steady improvement under Head Coach Sean Payton, a respected offensive mind. Understanding that although they are a young team, they have found ways to improve each and every week and are expecting a battle come Sunday.
Mahomes echoed this sentiment from Reid, noting that Denver’s defense is well-coached and led by a defensive coordinator Vance Joseph who is familiar with their offense and will be ready to take all of the things they do well. Even McDuffie spoke on rookie quarterback Bo Nix, and his talents as a runner, even though many people don’t view him that way. What makes him such a special player, is that he knows when and where to use his legs or get the ball out and to the right spots with his arm.
Anyway, this matchup is looked at from, it is not going to be an easy game either way, and the Kansas City Chiefs understand this, and are preparing as such. Understand that they may have much bigger goals in mind, but all of their focus is currently on this week, going 1-0 once again, and inching closer to locking up their division and standing at the top of the AFC.
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