Andy Reid Seemingly Leaks Chiefs’ Game Plan vs Broncos as Sean Payton Responds to Patrick Mahomes & Co’s Benching
It’s the Chiefs’ world and we’re just living in it. Say it otherwise that the Kansas City team is not just creating history in the NFL but repeating their own as well. With all eyes set on the third straight Super Bowl title, we’re at the conclusion of the regular season. And when you look at the AFC, the Chiefs are sitting with the number 1 seed with one game remaining. And what’s their plan for the last game this season? Well, as per Andy Reid, he’s letting his key players rest.
The Chiefs will be mimicking last year’s game plan vs Chargers, which they eventually won with 13-12. The management rotated their players, whether for their offense or defense, to keep their key players energised. That being said, Patrick Mahomes is all set to get a much-needed rest ahead of the playoffs. And all eyes will be on Carson Wentz, who’ll start in next week’s showdown vs Denver Broncos.
“Carson is going to visit with you here in a little bit, but he’ll end up being the starting quarterback,” the head coach said. Seems like the Chiefs are sorted for the QB. However, Reid still has other positions to manage: “Then we’ll kind of work things from there on, who goes and who doesn’t go. I mean, you remember last year how the offensive line played and rotated in and out? So, those types of things could potentially take place in this one depending on the positions.”
If we are to speculate, besides Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones are likely to be rested for the game. But considering the roster size, the management can’t allow benching every key player. That means the Chiefs will have to dress a few of their starters against the Denver team. I mean, they can’t end the season on a losing note.
The head coach mentioned that they’re going to consider this game like a pre-season game in terms of rotating the players. Though if we look at this from Broncos‘ point of view, they must be getting a wide smile right about now.
When asked about his thoughts on the Kansas City team’s decision to rest key players, Payton stated that Andy Reid and Co. have every right to do so. “A credit to Kansas City, Andy, and his team, when you go 15-1 then you’re afforded those positions,” Payton said. “And I’ve been in that position, where your team might need a break here or there. They earned that, and that’s the part of the deal.”
USA Today via Reuters
To secure a postseason berth, all Broncos need is a win over the reigning champions or some luck and it’s gonna be their first postseason ride since 2015. Though Payton knows that Mahomes will not be a major threat for his team, he’s still instilling focus in the roster: “Like I said to the team this morning, our focus has got to be on this team in general.” The head coach emphasized, “There’ll be, I’m sure, some different people in different places. It’s not like college, though. We don’t have rosters of 105, 110.”
All things considered, the Chiefs and Andy Reid have nothing to lose. On the flip side, the Broncos and Payton have everything to gain. And now all eyes are on the Sunday showdown of these two rivals of the AFC West.
