In the 10 years since Andy Reid became coach of the Chiefs, several things stand out in his mind. Among them are two Super Bowl appearances, one Super Bowl title, and seven straight AFC West titles. But that’s not all.
“I’ve never ate as much barbecue,” Reid joked Thursday. “I’m coming out of 10 years still loving every bite I’ve taken. Listen, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. The Hunts are a phenomenal family to work for. You don’t get a chance to really enjoy that, and we’re moving forward, and that’s kind of where we’re at this week.”
This week has been difficult for the Chiefs and the NFL as they have been watching the Damar Hamlin situation. But on the field, the Chiefs are hoping to finish the season strong with a win when they play the Raiders at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Las Vegas. They are also still hoping to get the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
“It’s been one of our goals since the beginning of the season,” said Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who was drafted by the team just months after Reid became coach. “To win the division, get the No. 1 seed, be able to get an extra bye week in before the playoffs start, that’s always on our mind. And we know it’s at stake, and it’s been at stake. And we’ve been trying to play our tails off to put ourselves in the best position when it comes playoff time.”
The Chiefs rallied to defeat the Raiders 30-29 when they played in October. Patrick Mahomes threw four touchdown passes that night — all to Kelce. While Kelce said Mahomes is “the MVP, simple as that,” he also gave credit to his coach.
Kelce has posted seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons under Reid and has been selected to the Pro Bowl eight times.
“He’s helped not only develop my game, but he’s helped change the outlook on what a tight end can be,” Kelce said. “And I appreciate him guiding me in that. Without a doubt I’m extremely fortunate. Everybody’s always asking how I get so open and I’m like, ‘Well, I got Andy Reid, baby. When you got Coach Reid, he can get my dad open if he was out there running around.
“So I’ve been unbelievably fortunate to be under his guidance, the program, the way he is because I do genuinely believe he does it the right way and I don’t plan on stopping this thing anytime soon, and I hope he doesn’t.”
Despite having a few close calls, the Chiefs (13-3) have won four straight. And Kelce believes their best is still ahead of them.
“We’re going to go in there and try to play our best football,” Kelce said. “I don’t think we’ve done that quite yet. There’s been glimpses of it. Maybe a half here, three quarters here. But we got to go put out four quarters of Chiefs football the way we know how.”
MOORE OUT
Reid said wide receiver Skyy Moore will miss Sunday’s game with a hand injury. He also said that wide receiver Mecole Hardman was still “day to day” and would be on a snap count limit if he plays.
“I know he’s going to want to go,” Reid said. “I know he loves to play. And so, I’m going to be holding him back I’m sure if we get to that point.”
