Shifting from a looming three-peat to stunning mincemeat certainly wasn’t in the Kansas City Chiefs’ playbook Sunday.
After all, that’s what occurred earlier than a worldwide viewers in Tremendous Bowl LIX, as the Philadelphia Eagles led by as many as 34 factors en route to a 40-22 runaway.
Chiefs Kingdom has been ransacked! There are cracks in the floor! And Patrick Mahomes, GOAT? Discuss a baaaad take!
Chiefs haters delighted in the defeat, with many feeling it signified the finish of the workforce’s dynasty. Fact is, KC can hold that reign afloat by efficiently navigating an important offseason.
Earlier than analyzing what faces the franchise, starting with the ready sport on tight finish Travis Kelce’s attainable retirement, right here’s an affirmation for the Chiefs: This, too, shall cross. Simply bear in mind who’s at the high—not of the NFL anymore, however the group.
Someplace alongside the approach throughout the workforce’s dominant run of 5 Tremendous Bowl appearances—together with three victories—in the previous six seasons, coach Andy Reid shed the doubtful distinction of good man who can’t win the large one.
Nonetheless solely 29, Mahomes stays the workforce’s quarterback and chief, and he doesn’t shrink back from accountability.
“I take possession in the loss, in all probability greater than anybody in my profession,” Mahomes stated. “I put us in some unhealthy spots.”
Certainly, Mahomes bundled three turnovers and was sacked six instances by an Eagles’ protection that dominated the line of scrimmage.
“There’s instances when guys aren’t open, I want to throw the ball away or verify it down and let guys make performs occur,” he stated. “Typically, I get to the place I would like to make an enormous play to spark us. That’s one thing I’ve handled my whole profession. If I don’t present I’ll take what’s there in the sport, the defenses are going to keep in the coverages they’re in.”
On a smaller scale, the Chiefs’ return to February glory begins with classes discovered from this Tremendous debacle.
Philadelphia had its approach up entrance on either side of the ball, and the defensive facet of that equation confirmed not simply holes in the line however an absence of a big-play receiver past rookie Xavier Worthy and an inconsistent working sport.
Veteran DeAndre Hopkins was quiet in the playoffs after modest contributions following his midseason acquisition, leaving the Chiefs seemingly to go exterior the group for a wanted exterior risk. They’ve had a revolving door at receiver in current seasons however managed to win.
With proper guard Trey Smith anticipated to land a prolific payday in free company, the O-line might take an offseason hit if Smith decides towards a probable hometown low cost given the Chiefs’ wage cap constraints.
Key defenders Nick Bolton, Charles Omenihu, and Justin Reid are also approaching free company, including to the workforce’s choices.
Kelce nonetheless is below contract for the 2025 season, and his off-field skills and exploits are well-publicized. The workforce has Noah Grey ought to Kelce retire, however his pass-catching skills aren’t as confirmed. Positive, Kelce was a non-factor in the Tremendous Bowl, however his current pedigree is tough to debate, irrespective of how a lot you resent his commercials and vital different.
If Kelce stays, right here’s guessing we received’t see sudden cutaways to Taylor Swift when the Chiefs are on the clock in the NFL Draft. There’ll be loads of urgency for normal supervisor Brett Veach and Co. then as KC goals to refresh its roster with rapid contributors. 4 of the workforce’s six draft picks are inside the high 100.
“I really feel like we’re going to be again,” Worthy stated. “Use this as gas; use this as motivation.”
The trail again to the high received’t be straightforward, however the Chiefs’ core is aware of the approach.
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