Kansas City Chiefs rookies have yet to take the field with facilities still in the first phase of reopening due to the coronavirus closures.
We’re entering what is typically the formative weeks, where coaches get an idea of what a player might be capable of during their rookie season. So how exactly are Andy Reid and the rest of the Chiefs’ coaching staff evaluating their newest players when they’re unable to get on the field?
“I have staff meetings and I still ask about the players and who’s doing well and predominantly the rookies as far as learning,” Reid explained. “I think if we can overemphasize the learning part of it now, not that we don’t but we can really emphasize that now, there’s a chance that eliminates just an inch of that angst when they’re on the field where they can perform athletically or physically to the best of their ability. We’re kind of putting the hammer down on that and working it and emphasizing it to the player.”
Reid emphasized player attitude and approach as something that’s important during this time. You can’t be falling asleep during these team meetings just because they’re taking place in a virtual space. While players aren’t on the field right now, the extra work that they put in is going to be rewarded down the line. And so far, it appears this approach is getting positive results from the new faces in Kansas City.
“I’m getting good reports back from the coaches on the rookies,” Reid said. “The guys are working their tails off right now. The coaches give quizzes and all of those things too, so you get an idea of the feedback. I’d also go ‘Hey why don’t you explain to the guys 22ZN. Take us through it and detail it’. So you get a feel there on exactly what they know. Then with the rookies you’ve got a couple extra hours that you can work with them. The coaches have a little log time in there where they can get the rookies aside and visit with them.”
At the end of the day, the hope is that the rookies will be able to retain what they learn now and apply it on the field down the line. With some luck the 2020 rookie class will be able to hit the ground running as soon as they have an opportunity to get back on the practice field.
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