The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled to move the ball on offense through the first two games of the year, finding their most effective weapon in an unlikely place — Patrick Mahomes‘ legs.
The quarterback has found success with his scrambles, rushing 13 times for 123 yards with two touchdowns. He leads the team in rushing, and head coach Andy Reid hinted that the team could look for Mahomes to expand his role in the rushing game.
Chiefs Want Patrick Mahomes to Take Advantage
Speaking to reporters, Reid said Mahomes is prepared to take advantage of whatever defenses offer him. Through the first two weeks, that has included scrambles when opposing defenses leave him unaccounted for.
“Yeah, he’ll (Patrick Mahomes) probably tell you the same thing, that he trains that way. He goes after it and he’s not going to not take an opportunity if it’s given,” Reid said, via USA Today’s Chiefs Wire. “So, obviously, he wasn’t accounted for on some of those plays and he took advantage of it. I don’t want to see him get the big hits, but he’s a pretty competitive guy.”
Reid admitted that short-yardage runs for quarterbacks are a “crapshoot” and thought the team called some good plays in those situations in Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
While the Chiefs may be open to Mahomes expanding his role in the near future to take advantage of defenses, the long-term plan for the season is to focus on his arm. Though the team has struggled with Rashee Rice suspended and Xavier Worthy out with a shoulder injury, they are apparently not planning to look for outside help.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that the team doesn’t plan to check in on Tyreek Hill, who is reportedly on the trade block with the Miami Dolphins.
“And if you’re wondering whether Brett Veach, the always-savvy GM in Kansas City, might be tempted to pick up the phone and arrange a reunion with his former star receiver, I’m told the focus for now is on getting Xavier Worthy healthy as the Chiefs await the return of Rashee Rice from a six-game suspension,” Russini reported.
After an 0-2 start, the Chiefs are looking to turn around their season on Sunday night against the New York Giants.
Chiefs Don’t Want Patrick Mahomes in Short-Yardage
While Reid may be open to Mahomes using his legs to attack defenses when warranted, the team will likely not start drawing up plays for him in short-yardage situations. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said before the season started that the team doesn’t want to regularly put Mahomes at risk in those plays, but occasionally call his number.
“I think that’s kind of an advantage to us,” Nagy said, via AtoZ Sports. “But it is for us to also know there are different ways to be successful. Whether it’s running the football or throwing it. That’s where I think a lot of credit to coach Reid, and coach Heck (offensive line coach Andy Heck) in the run game with that part of it.”
Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Opens Up About New Role for Patrick Mahomes