True: Tyreek Hill’s Skillset is unique and unlikely to be replaced by a single player. I think it’s a mistake for Hill to have decided for “money” on his part to have a portion of his career tied to someone other than Patrick Mahomes. After all, how many of you think of Jerry Rice divorced from Joe Montana?
Justin Ross Hype – I am Onboard Thus far!
I have already predicted that Ross would make the 53-man roster. You may have different ideas, but I like Ross as an option for Patrick Mahomes targets. This one particular play educates me. I hope that translates to real live football!
We can say this or that about Ross and where he might have ended up in the draft had he not had the congenital neck problem. The fact is that Ross brings a lot to the table. If I have a reach for the WR room, Justyn is my candidate!
The Chiefs WR Triad
Mecole Hardman – Mecole’s Speed is enough to make him part of the threesome. He has his work cut out for him, but if we divvy up Hill’s targets, Hardman will get 100 Targets. I think that is enough for a career year and about 1,000 receiving yards.
Juju Smith-Schuster – JS-S is a proven receiver. For whatever reason his participation in the Steeler offense was, I see him returning to form. Having had the Steelers as a nemesis for several years, we are all familiar with the threat that JS-S presents to opponents
Marquez Valdes-Scantling – In some ways, MV-S departing the pack is most advantageous for Patrick Mahomes. Perhaps as much as any other acquisition, I really like MV-S!
These three WRs give the Chief’s offense a formidable presence on any down in which they might all be on the field simultaneously.
The Rest of the Story
WR #4-#6 – Take your pick: With the addition of Skyy Moore in the 2022 draft, he will automatically earn one of these three positions.
I have mentioned Justyn Ross. I presently believe that Ross will be one of the three. Ross appears to be gaining appreciation in camp from players and coaches alike. Justin Watson was signed on, and he, too, has earned high praise from QB Patrick Mahomes and WR Coach Joe Bleymaier who also has been complimentary of Josh Gordon. Add in Cornell Powell, Daurice Fountain, or Corey Coleman and the Chiefs will be completely solid with their new Receiver Corps. I would go so far as to say that the Chiefs have never had this level of quality players ever, in the History of the Chiefs. Keep in mind that I have not called attention to all the possibilities–there are 14 WRs present in camp as of today’s date. I think it safe to call the WR group one of powerful presence to present to any defense. Does it matter who is among the six at this point? I see six WRs on the active roster, and that is valuable. The fans will see a “moveable feast” in action. Patrick Mahomes can spread the ball among the targets, and defenses won’t be able to key on just one target –Tyreek Hill.
The TE Factor
Let’s Add in Two more Aerial Targets – Travis Kelce and Jody Fortson
Travis Kelce is a given. In fact, with the WR group and adding in Jody Fortson, the pressure can be lessoned for Kelce, who at age 33 is the “Old Man” of all the Mahomes targets. Fortson was proving his value in 2021 until injury cut his participation short.
I see Fortson as returning to form in 2022–that would be wonderful! Fortson being available as a target could reduce the pounding that Travis typically reaps. All to the good in that case. There is a 3rd TE that holds merit – Noah Gray who is also a draft pick, also holds great potential. Blake Bell is more of a traditional TE but is a great blocker and can catch passes, as he has shown. Will Reid go 4 deep for the TE Role? It’s not beyond the realm of possibility.
What Are the Facts?
Sans Tyreek Hill, the Chief’s Aerial Game automatically changes. No doubt about it, the departure of Hill to Miami shifts the Reid playbook and play-calling significantly. Is that bad? Was Tyreek Hill the answer to solving the Chiefs opponent’s adjustment, which was made to counter the Hill threat for the over-the-top Mahomes passes? How is that an incorrect adjustment if Andy Reid’s offense expands from one primary receiver to three plus the TE and RB options? My answer is that it is not.
Are you uncertain about the aerial attack? I am not. I appreciate the shift in emphasis, including having Fortson being part of the passing game that we saw in 2021’s premiere exposure – but which will, should all things unfold as I predict them, be a significant offense that our weekly NFL Opponents have difficulty countering. Suppose I add the expectation that Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Ronald Jones, and Isiah Pacheco were pass-catchers out of the backfield. I see a completely different but more powerful aerial attack than the Chiefs had prior seasons with Hill. The mystique factor alone adds to the 2022 offensive prowess – DCs will have to guess what comes next and to whom the ball is thrown.
David Bell – ArrowheadOne