Getty Images Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman
Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Mecole Hardman is making quite a statement at Arrowhead Stadium. The Georgia product turned on the wheels for an impressive 104-yard kickoff return to put the Chiefs ahead of AFC West rivals the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17.
MECOLE HARDMAN.
104-YARD KICKOFF RETURN TD! @MecoleHardman4 #ChiefsKingdom
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It was only a matter of time before Hardman, who was selected to his first Pro Bowl this season, was able to show fans and critics alike why he’s one of the best return specialists in the league. The Chiefs had the ball to start the second half, but quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw a rare interception which the Chargers converted into a touchdown to put them up 14-10.
In true form, Andy Reid’s men quickly responded and reminded their opponent why they’re not only the champions of their division for the fourth year in a row, but have one of the most explosive offenses in the league.
Twitter Reacts to Hardman’s Electrifying Run
Chiefs Kingdom remains one of the most passionate fanbases across all sports, so naturally Twitter erupted with immense praise for the rising star in the red and white.
That 104-yard touchdown return for Mecole Hardman third-longest regular-season return in franchise history behind 108 by Knile Davis against Denver in 2013 and 106 by Noland Smith against Denver in 1967.
man it’s almost like mecole hardman should be used more?
Mecole Hardman is my favorite young player in the league. I love that guy
The growth of Mecole Hardman in the return game is a huge credit to Tyreek Hill and more importantly Dave Toub #ChiefsKingdom
The Chiefs only drafted Mecole Hardman because they thought they lost Hill. Pat Mahomes is gonna break every record with them boys.
As they enter a rather contentious postseason, this amazing display of athleticism by the Chiefs is something to look forward to as Mahomes & company look to end their season playing in Miami in February.
Could the Chiefs Make the Super Bowl if They Stay Healthy?
The Chiefs were early Super Bowl contenders when the season started, and one ESPN analyst still believes they’re the team to beat in the postseason. On an episode of “First Take” earlier this month, co-host Max Kellerman emphatically said Kansas City could still lift the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season if Patrick Mahomes can stay healthy.
“The most hilarious thing to me is this team is flying under the radar now,” Kellerman said. “If Patrick Mahomes is healthy, like his hand allows him to be Patrick Mahomes, this team could easily win the Super Bowl.
“All I need to see is that they’re healthy and I’m going to pick them to win the whole thing,” the New Yorker concluded.
Rookie safety Juan Thornhill suffered an injury during Sundays game, along with cornerback Bashaud Breeland who was listed as questionable to return with an illness. If they can regain their strengths ahead of Kansas City’s first match in the playoffs, Kellerman might be on to something.