The Kansas City Chiefs have been through their fair share of injuries at the wide receiver position, but they are expected to get their signature free-agent prize of the off-season back on the roster later this month. How will that impact this team?
In just one snap in a meaningless pre-season game, Hollywood Brown was driven into the ground and missed three months of the season. On Sunday, with the Chiefs fresh off their 19-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Patrick Mahomes appears to have another target available for the postseason.
Before we get super excited about the possibility of Hollywood returning to the offense, unless the Chiefs fix their left and right tackle woes, it won’t matter who is open downfield. Still, the thought of DeAndre Hopkins, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Xavier Worthy, Travis Kelce, and Noah Gray should strike fear into any secondary in the NFL.
Add that group with Wiley veteran Justin Watson and running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt; what defense can stand tall against that potential firepower downfield?
Since Hollywood’s injury, the Chiefs have done a decent job adding Smith-Schuster and Hopkins to the roster. Both bring so much to the offense, but again, unless Mahomes has more time in the pocket, it’s a moot point.
Still, Hollywood Brown’s return later this month should allow Head Coach Andy Reid to expand the playbook in the postseason. So, Hollywood must get some reps to be ready for January football.
Based on how the Chiefs have put forth an 11-1 start and already clinched a playoff spot, their grind-it-out mentality has been replaced by a fast-based, big-play offense we’ve seen in the past. The offense will change dramatically, but it could become more efficient, which should be enough to expand its success in the red zone.
Either way, the Chiefs should feel good about their situation. If they can adjust their pass protection schemes, Mahomes should be able to use all his weapons to move the offense forward.
