During the Andy Reid era, he has focused on limiting the time his starters spend on the field during exhibition games. However, with some new pieces on the offensive line, a stacked wide receiver room, and young defenders who need to make an impact, will Reid approach things differently this summer?
With training camp just five days away, Head Coach Andy Reid has already drafted his game plan once the 90-man roster settles into their St. Joe summer stay. This is a crucial summer camp for Reid and the Chiefs. After the way their 2024 season ended, with an embarrassing loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, they need to regain their mojo.
Reid is the top coach in the NFL today. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and before he retires, his leadership could lead to more Super Bowls. The fact that he’s been to five and won three is impressive.
However, his team’s legacy faced an unexpected setback, and now, with the players arriving soon, he has one of the strongest teams of his coaching career. The roster changes since that tough loss have been significant, innovative, and creative. With limited cap space, they continue to build their roster with playmakers while maintaining their core team.
Even with all that talent, it’s not guaranteed that the Chiefs will reach their fourth straight Super Bowl, but that’s the goal every season. I’m not betting against it. This team is too talented, and with Mahomes running the offense, the Chiefs have better than a 50/50 shot at winning any game he plays.
Regardless, Reid might be willing to give his starters more playing time in the preseason. Typically, he has the starters play for a series or two in the summer opener, then extends that to half the game in the second game, and almost none in the final preseason tune-up.
I support this theory because he needs to decide on a left tackle and left guard, and honestly, they require as much playing time as possible with Mahomes. Additionally, with a healthy receiver’s room, they must do significant work in game conditions.
Defensively, with some young defenders from the recent draft class, it’s expected they’ll get a lot of game time, so there is some balance to be had in the August games.
The Chiefs under Reid generally follow a successful past plan, and the head coach is a creature of habit. However, he has also shown some flexibility in his routine and his intensity in communicating his message.
Fortunately, he has a veteran roster that will help less experienced players understand the work ethic needed to play for the Chiefs. As I mentioned with this team, Reid can rely on the veterans while dedicating more time to teaching his younger core.
One thing Reid never has to worry about is the work ethic, the dedication to detail, and the willingness of every player to buy into the system. That can’t be said for other franchises.
In summary, I’d like to see Reid extend the game time for his starters just enough to work out some of the kinks and ensure a cohesive group is ready to start the regular season.
