Tag: Chiefs

Chiefs TE Noah Gray comments on the short turnaround on games: ‘We’re looking forward to it’

Kansas City #Chiefs TE Noah Gray comments on the short turnaround on games: ‘We’re looking forward to it’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray had another productive game last Sunday in the team’s victory over the Cleveland Browns. During Tuesday’s press conference, he shared his thoughts on how Kansas City’s unique schedule of games affects player rest.

“Yeah. I mean, it’s super important. Rest is super important. Sleep is super important. So just some of those things that we got to be extra cognizant of, you know, during this time. But it’s gonna be a lot of fun.” said Gray. “Nothing like playing ball on Christmas. So, you know, every single day that we have the opportunity to come out here and play, regardless of the circumstances, fun, and we’re looking forward to it.”

The Chiefs will play on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium against the Houston Texans and then head on the road for a Christmas Day game with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday.

During the Week 15 win, in the last five minutes of the first half, Patrick Mahomes connected with an open Gray in the back of the end zone for a six-yard score. It marked his fifth touchdown of the season, a new single-season career high, and his fifth touchdown in as many weeks. Gray finished the victory in Cleveland with two catches for 21 yards.

Chiefs LB Nick Bolton discusses the impact of creating turnovers: ‘It definitely felt big for us’

Kansas City #Chiefs LB Nick Bolton discusses the impact of creating turnovers: ‘It definitely felt big for us’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton spoke with reporters on Tuesday about his and the team’s big game, which involved forcing turnovers in Week 15.

On Cleveland’s first offensive play of the second half, Bolton picked off Jameis Winston on a pass intended for Nick Chubb at the Browns’ 34-yard line. It was Bolton’s first interception of the season and the fourth of his career.

“Yeah, especially going down the stretch into the postseason. Definitely turnovers giving the ball to offensive short fields and creating some negative play. So it definitely felt big for us. I’ve kind of been working on it.” said Bolton. “Attacking the football just hasn’t come our way a little bit. So, we’re hoping this is just a one game that kind of continue for many. We talked about it all the time. They come in bunches. They did last week, and I hoped to bring it down to this Saturday.”

Bolton and Drue Tranquill split a sack of Winston, making it five sacks on the day for the Chiefs defense. He finished the day with five tackles (three solo), one interception, one quarterback hit, one pass defensed, and a half-sack.

Chiefs QB Carson Wentz on possible start in Week 16: ‘Nothing’s gonna change’

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Carson Wentz on possible start in Week 16: ‘Nothing’s gonna change’ | @EdEastonJr

In the offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs added veteran quarterback Carson Wentz for potential crucial moments in the chance that Patrick Mahomes could get injured. During his Tuesday press conference, Wentz shared his thoughts on possibly starting this Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans.

“Yeah, (the) same way I always have, honestly, you know, got my feet wet a little bit at the end of last game and felt good out there, and nothing’s gonna change this week,” said Wentz. “Obviously, Patrick’s (Mahomes), you know, had some nicks and bruises all year, and I prepared like I was gonna play every week. So on my end, nothing’s really gonna change.”

Mahomes participated fully during a light practice on Tuesday, showing promising signs of staying in the lineup. According to head coach Andy Reid, veteran Wentz will continue to prepare as if he’s starting, so anything is possible before Saturday.

Wentz was the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2017. The Eagles won Super Bowl LII that season following Wentz’s going down with a season-ending knee injury.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid reacts to the release of Clyde Edwards-Helaire: ‘A great kid’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts to the release of Clyde Edwards-Helaire: ‘A great kid’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs roster continues to change as the postseason approaches. An unexpected change for many fans was the release of former starting running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire after over four years with the franchise.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the departure of Edwards-Helaire during Tuesday’s press conference.

“We’ve released Clyde (Edwards-Helaire), so we have a spot available. We’ve got these injuries that we’re juggling here,” said Reid. “So we just got to see how that goes before we move somebody up or down or whatever you know (Brett) Veach wants to do with that thing. But we sure appreciate it. Clyde, too, for all he did here. I (would) love to get him back sometime, too. So, I mean, what a great kid he is. ”

Edwards-Helaire was a first-round pick of the Chiefs in 2020, spending his entire career with the franchise. He was inactive this season due to an ongoing battle with PTSD, which has landed him on the NFI list to start the year. The former LSU star re-signed with the Chiefs on a one-year deal during the offseason.

Chiefs scouting report: UCLA Bruins LB Carson Schwesinger

The Kansas City #Chiefs could look to target a player like UCLA #Bruins linebacker Carson Schwesinger in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs need to channel their free agent spending toward fixing their offensive line, secondary, and receiving corps.

That reality may leave star linebacker Nick Bolton, who is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, on the chopping block and may open the door for Chiefs general manager Brett Veach to select the veteran’s replacement in the 2025 NFL draft.

At 6’2″, 225 lbs., UCLA Bruins linebacker Carson Schwesinger struggles to stack and shed blocks. However, he’s a fantastic athlete with excellent closing burst, range, speed, and fluidity in the open field. His acceleration, loose hips, and arm length should make him a riser throughout the pre-draft non-contact evaluation process at his pro day and the NFL Combine.

Schwesinger’s vision and instincts as a run defender help him find unimpeded paths to the football. He patiently sits at the second level, waiting for a lane to the ball carrier to open. Schwesinger locks in on running backs and mirrors their movements to meet them in the hole.

Offensive linemen drive Schwesinger out of plays with little difficulty, but the redshirt junior uses his speed to beat linemen to their landmarks. He also dodges or slips blocks with his agility. Schwesinger’s pursuit speed and impressive motor make him a threat to run down ball carriers at all areas of the field.

Schwesinger’s awareness and instincts in coverage need to continue developing, but his athletic tools make him a promising coverage linebacker. He brackets slot receivers down the seam with good inside leverage and takes away running backs or tight ends working at the short to intermediate levels.

Schwesinger must play with more discipline. He bites on misdirection and falls for eye candy in the backfield, which causes him to abandon his assignments in coverage. Even with these flaws, Schwesinger projects as a top 100 selection.

Heisman legend Eric Crouch shares his thoughts on the Chiefs’ success this season

2001 Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch shared his thoughts on the Kansas City #Chiefs’ success this season w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to retired NFL player and 2001 Heisman winner Eric Crouch.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Crouch discussed his support for ‘The Wuerffel Foundation’ at the Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event at Life Time Pickleball NYC, and shared his thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs’ success this season.  

“It’s a special group of guys, and I have enjoyed coming back for the last 23 years, so I had a very special moment when I won the award,” Crouch said. “I’m looking forward to sharing that again tonight when the new winner is announced and being there for them.”

Crouch joined fellow Heisman award winners Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Charlie Ward, and Johnny Rodgers, along with pickleball pros Ryan Sherry and Kate Fahey, for Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition. The Wuerffel Foundation’s mission is to counsel and mentor community leaders in under-resourced neighborhoods across the United States and facilitate introductions to philanthropically minded supporters.

Crouch briefly joined the Chiefs practice squad in 2005 after converting to safety after years as a quarterback at Nebraska. He gave his take on this year’s team’s success and potential for another Super Bowl run.

“Every time I turn those games on, it’s so much fun to watch them, (Patrick) Mahomes and (Travis) Kelce and (Isiah) Pacheco, and just the defense, they fly around,“ Crouch explained. “What I’m starting to see about the Kansas City Chiefs is that they’re playing so well as a team and finding a way to win.

“They may not be playing the greatest football, and they’re not reaching the same numbers that they may have reached in the last couple of years, but they’re still finding ways to win, and at the end of the day, that’s what matters most, is who’s putting that W up on the board. So I can only imagine they’re going to go deep into the playoffs and be playing for another Super Bowl.”

The following links provide more information on Pickle Bowl and The Wuerffel Foundation.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on potentially sitting out game vs. Texans: ‘Try to push it’

Kansas City #Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on potentially sitting out game vs.the Houston #Texans: ‘Try to push it’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes still feels pain after suffering a high ankle sprain in last Sunday’s victory over the Cleveland Browns. The two-time league MVP addressed his playing status on Tuesday during his press conference with reporters.

“That’s the reason why you play this game; it is to push to play. So I’ll get to work in practice and try to push it to see where I can get to, but at the end of the day, I’m not going to put our team in a bad position.” Mahomes said, “So if I feel like I can play and go out there and win a football game, I’ll play. If I don’t feel like that’s the best-case scenario, I’ll let guys like Carson (Wentz) play. I mean, he’s a guy that’s won in this league as well.”

The Chiefs are already on a short week with Saturday’s regular-season home finale, and they will have a quicker turnaround for their Week 17 game on Wednesday. Carson Wentz is ready and waiting in relief again to start if Mahomes cannot make it through the week of practice.

“I don’t want to limit the game plan; that’s another thing for me, is I want to still be able to move around the pocket so we’re not just sitting in one spot the whole entire game and letting their D-line really get after it,” said Mahomes. “So it’s about me finding that balance, seeing where I’m at. I won’t know until close to the end of this week.”

Mahomes has played many games with an injured ankle, but the short week and the risk of further injury could push him to the sidelines. The next few days will determine his fate against the Texans and possibly Christmas Day against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid reveals his quarterback plans for Week 16: ‘A little bit more day-to-day’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reveals his quarterback plans for Week 16: ‘A little bit more day-to-day’ | @EdEastonJr

The status of Patrick Mahomes’ ankle after suffering a sprain will affect many decisions for Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. During his Tuesday press conference, the long-time coach addressed his plan for playing with or without his star quarterback this Saturday.

“I think this one’s a little bit more day-to-day. Let’s just see what he (Patrick Mahomes) does and how he feels. He’s always honest with me.” said Reid. “So he’s gonna shoot me straight on it, and I’ll be able to see him. Today’s a lighter day. So get him in there and moving around a little bit.”

Mahomes has played through ankle sprains and pain in the past, but the risk of further damage before the postseason has Reid considering an alternative for the matchup against the Houston Texans.

“He’ll (Mahomes) talk to me. The doctors will talk to me. Trainers, Keep it open. Once you’re out of the game,” said Reid. “He’ll shoot you pretty straight there. So, starting the game, his juices are going.”

If Mahomes can’t play this week, backup Carson Wentz will start and pick up from his relief role against the Cleveland Browns last week.

“Yeah. Well, I mean, he’s (Carson Wentz) started in the league and been successful. He’s got a great feel for this offense. He’s very smart (and has a) big arm,” said Reid. “I like the way he carries himself. I like everything about him. He should be starting in this league somewhere, you know. So he’s, he’s a heck of a player.”

Wentz was an MVP candidate before an injury during his time as the Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback. He has the trust of the offense if he’s needed to start on Saturday.

Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire shares cryptic message about leaving the team

Kansas City #Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire shares cryptic message about leaving the team | @EdEastonJr

According to a post from his X account on Monday, the Chiefs are parting ways with running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire after more than four years with the franchise.

“Love ya, KC! A family I didn’t know I needed, y’all made a Kid from Baton Rouge dreams come true!” said Edwards-Helaire via X. “To Chiefs Kingdom, its all love and the support I had in troubling times will forever be unmatched from you guys! With love!”

The Chiefs have yet to officially announce the former LSU standout’s status, but he has already shared his goodbyes with Chiefs fans. Edwards-Helaire was a first-round pick of the Chiefs in 2020 and has spent his entire career with the franchise. He’s been inactive this season due to an ongoing battle with PTSD, which has landed him on the NFI list to start the year.

Edwards-Helaire re-signed with the Chiefs on a one-year deal in the offseason and could not rejoin his team on the field this season with a crowded backfield.

NFL playoff picture: What are Chargers’ chances of making postseason after loss to Buccaneers?

Find out how the loss to the Buccaneers affected the Chargers’ chances of playing beyond the regular season.

The Chargers lost to the Buccaneers on Sunday. They fell to 8-6, as did their percentage of making the playoffs.

According to NFL.com, Los Angeles has an 88% chance of making the playoffs. With the Bolts’ loss, they dropped to the seventh seed, and the Broncos moved into the sixth seed.

Here’s a look at the division standings entering Week 16:

1. Chiefs (13-1) *clinched division*

2. Broncos (9-5)

3. Chargers (8-6)

4. Raiders (2-11)

And a look at the playoff picture:

*There are (7) available Playoff spots

1. Chiefs (13-1)

2. Bills (11-3)

3. Steelers (10-4)

4. Texans (9-5)

5. Ravens (9-5)

6. Broncos (9-5)

7. Chargers (8-6)

8. Colts (6-8)

9. Dolphins (6-8)

10. Bengals (6-8)

AFC playoff matchups if the season ended today:

  • No. 2 Bills vs. No. 7 Chargers
  • No. 3 Steelers vs. No. 6 Broncos
  • No. 4 Texans vs. No. 5 Ravens