Tag: Chiefs

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

Chiefs OL Joe Thuney comments on position change vs. Browns: ‘Truly was a team effort’

Kansas City #Chiefs OL Joe Thuney comments on position change vs. Cleveland #Browns: ‘Truly was a team effort’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Thuney spoke with reporters Sunday after the 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns. He addressed his surprising start at left tackle instead of his usual guard spot in place of D.J. Humphries.

“It felt good, and my coaches have done a great job preparing this for me all week,” said Thuney. “I have a lot of good guys, tight ends and running backs, around me, so they helped me with calls. Mike [Caliendo] was great at left guard, and it truly was a team effort to win and help be my best at guard.”

Thuney was tasked with slowing down Myles Garrett throughout the game as he held the pass rusher without a sack.

“It was a total team effort to block him. There was a lot of great chips and help from people like Mike [Caliendo],” said Thuney. “He was great in helping me as needed. It was a good team effort with good technique, and I went out there and did the best I could.”

Humphries could return next week for the Houston Texans’ matchup, depending on his hamstring. If Thuney can handle the new role for an extended period, he may not need to rush.

Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie reflects on first career interception: ‘A lot of emotions’

Kansas City #Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie reflects on first career interception: ‘A lot of emotions’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie had plenty to smile about after the Week 15 victory over the Cleveland Browns. After almost two full seasons, McDuffie collected his first career interception to help seal the latest win.

“Man, it has truly been a blessing. Coming into this week, we knew we had a good shot at getting some turnovers, and it truly was the right place, right time,” said McDuffie during his postgame press conference. “I was in man-to-man, and the funny thing is, for whatever reason, I somehow glanced up at the jumbotron because of a scramble drill. I saw him launch it, and I knew I had to turn around and catch the ball.”

Since the Chiefs drafted him in 2022, McDuffie has been praised for his fantastic coverage. The only lingering knock on him is not having an NFL interception on his resume. He didn’t play it down when describing the moment after the game.

“Special. I mean there is a lot of emotions. One, we did it; I mean, it took me two and a half years to get one. Two, the time of when I did it.” said McDuffie. “They were driving up the field and they were trying to get back into the game. They were putting together pretty good drives. So being able to get that pick and kind of stop that momentum, for me, is huge.”

The intercepted ball will have a valued spot in the home of the former Washington Huskies standout.

https://youtube.com/shorts/J9HMZeZESPY?si=dQsq5xbeT4ESj0gx

“I mean, I have to do something with it. I saw it was grabbed after for me, but I have not seen it yet,” said McDuffie. “Once I get that football, it will be with me all day, and I will be sleeping with it tonight.”

Chiefs HC Andy Reid on decision to start Joe Thuney at left tackle: ‘I just felt comfortable’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on decision to start Joe Thuney at left tackle: ‘I just felt comfortable’ | @EdEastonJr

The starting left tackle position has been an issue for the Kansas City Chiefs all season as they pursue the top spot in the AFC. The topic took another turn in the Week 15 victory over the Cleveland Browns as a new starter took the spot following the injury to D.J. Humphries.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid moved All-Pro guard Joe Thuney over to left tackle on Sunday as he battled with the reigning defensive player of the year, Myles Garrett. Mike Caliendo filled in for Thuney at his typical guard spot, leaving Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia on the sidelines.

“I thought Joe (Thuney) – I asked him to play left tackle, and he hasn’t done that since college – got out there and really did a nice job against one of the best defensive ends in the game right now,” said Reid to reporters during his postgame press conference. “Then (Mike) Caliendo, what a great experience that is for him to get out there and see a full game. That’s going to help him down the road and us down the road, so I appreciate it. As far as any changes or any of that, we’ll just see going forward how things go on the offensive line.”

Thuney held up well against Garrett as the Chiefs could limit his pressures during the game to less than his usual production. Reid further explained his decision on Thunrey at left tackle, not his young linemen.

“Well, the injury on D.J. (Humphries), and then Joe (Thuney) had taken a couple of snaps there last week, and I just felt comfortable as a veteran player,” said Reid. “I scouted him as a tackle, knowing he could get out there and battle. He’s been an All-Pro for two other positions, so give him a chance at the tackle spot.”

The Chiefs return to the field on Saturday against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium with questions regarding their plans at left tackle, assuming Humphries is healthy enough to play.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes reveals ankle status after victory over Browns: ‘Tried to bounce back’

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes reveals ankle status after victory over the Cleveland #Browns: ‘Tried to bounce back’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs won their matchup with the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, but it came at a cost health-wise. Patrick Mahomes left the game early due to a right ankle injury, making many concerned about the star quarterback’s status for next Saturday’s game.

“Tried to bounce back up, but obviously it hurt a little bit,” Mahomes told reporters during his postgame press conference. “Now we’ll just get after the rehab part of it and try to get ready for next week.”

Mahomes fought through a physical game against the Browns, completing 19 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. He injured his ankle earlier in the season during an overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers without missing time, but the same bounceback isn’t guaranteed this time around.

“Every injury’s different; you know what you have to do to get back,” said Mahomes. “That’s the most important thing. Now we just get back to the rehab part, the treatment part, and try to get ourselves ready on a short week against a good football team.”

The Chiefs return to action on a short week against the Houston Texans this Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium. Afterward, they will face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.

Inactives for Chiefs vs. Browns, Week 15

Here are the players who will be inactive during the #Chiefs vs. #Browns Week 15 game | From @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns released their list of inactive players before their Week 15 matchup.

Here are the inactive players for the Chiefs:

  • OT CJ Hanson
  • OT D.J. Humphries
  • OT Ethan Driskell
  • DT Marlon Tuipulotu
  • RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
  • DE Malik Herring
  • DE Josh Uche

Here is the inactive list for the Browns:

  • QB Bailey Zappe (3QB)
  • K Dustin Hopkins
  • WR Cedric Tillman
  • RB D’Onta Foreman
  • CB Chigozie Anusiem
  • TE David Njoku
  • DE James Houston