[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbwa53mtds520q2 player_id=none image=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]
As the preseason comes to an end, every team in the league will quickly start the process of trimming their final rosters down to 53 players. The offense, as usual, is filled with plenty of firepower at the skills positions led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieiemy has his work cut out for him as he continues to evaluate players in the final preseason game. Bieniemy opened up to reporters on Tuesday about players taking advantage of opportunities with roster cuts on the horizon.
”I’ve seen our guys step up and do some things that are very impressive. Obviously, with those guys having an opportunity to drive the length of the field the last two games or so to put in some productive playtime”, said Bieniemy, ”but also put us in position to make sure we are either winning the game or securing the win. That’s been very satisfying, and I can’t complain. Our coaching staff is doing a heck of a job with those guys, but on top of that, the players are stepping up to the plate and making things happen when called upon. Those are the things you get excited about when you’re teaching and coaching. You want to see these players respond in those heated moments.”
And Bieniemy’s players have responded, exceeding expectations in some cases. It’s going to make the roster decisions exceptionally difficult on the veteran coordinator and his colleagues.
“When it’s all said and done with, I don’t want to release anybody,” Bieniemy said. “That’s the challenging part about being in this position because not only do you get attached to the player because we spend so much time with them but also you get attached to the person. There are relationships that are developed here, so it’s hard watching those guys leave, but I understand the profession that we chose, and those tough decisions have to be made. When it’s all said and done with, I want to keep everyone because everyone in this building can give us the opportunity to pursue our goals.”
A position of interest during training camp has been the stacked tight end room, which features more than All-Pro Travis Kelce. Rookie Noah Grey and veteran Blake Bell are now joined by a former receiver converted to tight end, Jody Fortson. The experiment has been something that has caught the eye of Bieniemy, but he doesn’t know if the Chiefs will have the numbers to keep Fortson on the 53-man roster.
“I’m satisfied, and I’m pleased with what the tight ends have done,” Bieniemy said. “Those guys have done a great job. Now, when it’s all said and done with as far as the numbers are concerned, obviously Coach Reid and Brett Veach, our GM, they’re going to sit down and have that discussion.”
During the evaluation process of players in camp, Bieniemy recalled his relationship with new Chiefs running back Jerick Mckinnon. He is expected to play important roles in the offense behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire and on special teams.
”Yeah, I’ve learned a lot about Jerick (McKinnon),” Bieniemy said. “In fact, I remember Jerick when he came out of college. We spent a lot of time with him at the combine, and he was one of those players that did everything. I think he played a little option quarterback, he played running back, he played defensive back, so we’ve had him on our radar for a while. But he’s a savvy veteran that’s just very good at a lot of things, and that’s the thing that makes him valuable because he brings a tremendous amount of experience. On top of that, he’s a heck of a football player that happens to play the running back position. So, those are the things that are intriguing. We love what he’s bringing to the table, we love how he works in the classroom, but on top of that, what he’s doing out there on the field as well.”
The final cuts are due after preseason Week 3 by 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 31. It appears Andy Reid, Brett Veach, Bieniemy and the rest of the staff have some tough decisions they’ll have to make.
[listicle id=97049]