Third and long normally presents a formidable challenge for an offense. But the Kansas City Chiefs seem to thrive when facing third downs.
The Chiefs lead the NFL in third down conversion percentage at 48.9 percent, succeeding 45 of 92 attempts. Of course, it helps when you have Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. But Chiefs coach Andy Reid says there’s more to it than that, starting with offensive coordinator Matt Nagy who puts together the gameplan.
“Matt takes care of all of that, and he does a great job with it,” Reid said Wednesday. “And Pat, he’s special in that area — throwing the ball. Obviously, he’s very special, and the receivers and offensive line do a good job. But the scheme has been great, and the players have been great. But you’re only as good as the next one so we got to make sure we take care of that.”
The Chiefs (6-1) will take on the Broncos at 3:25 p.m. Sunday in Denver, having just played their AFC West rival three weeks ago at Arrowhead. The Chiefs won 19-8, but ironically were just 4 of 13 on third down against the Broncos (2-5).
Reid said the Broncos put standout cornerback Patrick Surtain II on Kelce on third down and he wouldn’t be surprised if they did it again. Even so, Reid still likes his chances with the Mahomes-Kelce combo.
“They know who Travis is, and they had a plan there,” Reid said. “So maybe we’ll see a little more on that. But teams are putting good players on Travis or doubling him. And he and Pat have a unique chemistry there.”
So does the Chiefs offensive line. Last week against the Chargers, the Chiefs converted 6 of 11 third downs in a total team effort.
“They do a good job,” Reid said of the offensive line. “And we always talk with the receivers and tight ends about having that clock in your head. And Travis has that ability to keep that thing running. How long can I do what I need to do to get open? And Pat stays in tune with that. They’ve got a good connection, and that’s what makes them special together.”
Mahomes, who threw for 424 yards and four touchdowns against the Chargers, said the team’s third-down success is a product of having the right mindset.
“I think it’s a mentality,” Mahomes said. “The coaches preach how we’re going to execute, and the guys go out there and do it. And then we just have that belief that we’re going to make it happen some way.
“It all starts up front. The offensive line has to block well against great pass rushers. And their ears are pinned back, and they want to get to the quarterback, and they’ve done a great job (blocking) on that. And the guys, whenever I’ve extended, they’ve made plays happen. So you’ve got to have the mentality to execute it during practice so you can execute it in the games.”
BOLTON HAS SURGERY
Reid said linebacker Nick Bolton had surgery on his wrist Tuesday in Los Angeles and would rejoin the team Thursday. Reid said the Chiefs weren’t sure if Bolton would be placed on injured reserve just yet.
“The one positive is he didn’t have to have any metal put in there,” Reid said. “So we just got to check and see how things go here. But (GM Brett) Veach is on top of that.”
ROSS PRACTICES
Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross practiced with the team Wednesday, two days after being arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery and criminal damage to property.
“We’re taking in all the information and have been,” Reid said. “We’ll continue to do that. And we’ll just take it from there.”
WR WATSON BACK
Wide receiver Justin Watson made his return to practice Wednesday. Watson injured his elbow against the Broncos three weeks ago. Watson has 10 catches for 219 yards this season.
