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The Kansas City Chiefs are in the enviable position of being the AFC’s top overall seed with a first-round bye in this year’s playoffs. The team clinching the No. 1 seed early has lessened the significance of the Chiefs’ Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers allowing for multiple key starters to rest for the finale.
Chiefs rookie defensive end Mike Danna has made an immediate impact during games when given the opportunity. With many starters expected to rest in Week 17, Danna will is expected to hear his name in the starting lineup on Sunday for the first time. The former Michigan Wolverine shared his thoughts on starting his first NFL game during Wednesday’s Zoom call with reporters.
“It’s a dream come true to be able to represent the name on my back and the Chiefs organization. It’s a blessing,” Danna said. “Like I always say, not too many people get to do this thing. To be able to come in and possibly start, it’s a great feeling. I just know that when the door is knocking, I’ve got to answer, show up on time, do what I got to do, make sure my teammates and my coaches trust me when I’m out on that field.”
The Chiefs seek a 15-1 finish and they’ll rely on Danna along with several other reserves to get them there on Sunday. The lack of pressure heading into the game hasn’t deterred Danna’s preparation and remaining locked in weekly.
“Every week you’ve got to be locked in,” Danna said. “This is an important week; it’s the last game of the season, so I’m going to come in and prepare like it’s the first game of the season. This is a big game for us going into the playoffs. We’ve got to have the right mindset going into this game and handle business.”
The game won’t mean anything in the standings or playoff picture, but it will mean everything for the many reserves and young players expected to see more time on the field. Sunday’s contest will serve as a live proving ground that practice can never replicate, and the coaching staff will evaluate it heading into the 2021 NFL season.
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