Hollywood Brown is still getting acclimated to how Andy Reid runs training camp, but the veteran wide receiver has noticed one big change from the previous camps he’s been in.
There’s been greater emphasis on the downfield passing game already, thanks in part to Reid and Patrick Mahomes, of course.
“We got the guys who can do it,” Brown said at training camp Wednesday in St. Joe, Mo. “Coach is putting us in great position to do it, and Pat puts it on the money every time. We’ve been lighting it up. It’s been fun.”
Signed as a free agent in March on a one-year deal, Brown gives the Chiefs a veteran presence at the position, which they greatly needed. Brown spent his first three seasons with the Ravens and the last two with the Cardinals, but injuries to Kyler Murray slowed Brown’s game considerably, as he posted a career low 574 yards receiving last year.
The Chiefs, however, are expecting more from Brown, who worked out with Mahomes in the offseason and quickly developed a friendship. Mahomes, Brown and Travis Kelce even went to the NBA Finals in Dallas together, and the camaraderie they built has helped on the football field.
“It started way back in the offseason,” Brown said. “It made it a lot easier for me coming to the team. He had me on the same page on a lot of things.”
Brown has picked up the team’s playbook quite nicely, and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has been impressed so far.
“You can feel his veteran leadership,” Nagy said. “This offense, right now for him, it’s not been too much for him. And we put a lot in. He’s kept his play speed.
“When he runs routes downfield, being able to track the football with Patrick, but also not making the same mistake twice. He’s in good mental shape, good physical shape right now and that’s exciting. We’re really looking forward to getting him going.”
The Cardinals went 4-13 the last two seasons, so Brown has been longing to play in the postseason again. But what he’s really hoping for is a chance to play in New Orleans and help the Chiefs threepeat.
“I got big self-belief,” Brown said. “And Pat being one of best in the game and recognizing what I could bring to the table, I’m just trying to come in and help and compete and try to win the Super Bowl.”
