I’m torn. I want to exude confidence. I want so badly to Rick Flair into this matchup. Woooooooooo!!! I’d love to see K.C. Wolf take ‘ol Billy Buffalo behind the woodshed, if you will…. Yet my 30+ years of Chiefs loyalty have shown me that the NFL is truly an “Any Given Sunday” league.
Heads, Shoulders, Ankles, Toes… Ankles, Toes
My apologies, I couldn’t resist. After last years success, the overall feeling is positive, without a doubt. The concerns here today, are the notable injuries this week. A bit unheralded is that Bashaud Breeland finds himself in the concussion protocol, listed also with a shoulder injury. Some may argue that Breeland isn’t performing quite as well as last season. From my personal eye test, I would challenge that I have preferred Breelands performance to Charvarius Ward’s thus far, even if it isn’t the best we have seen from him. Notwithstanding, I have to contend that having Breeland available this weekend is very important, simply from a numbers standpoint, when defending a deep and talented Wide Receiver group like the Buffalo Bills possess.
Ankles Aplenty
Perhaps they aren’t all ankle injuries, but two of them specifically are. Two of our fan-favorite rookies are dealing with ankle issues. By this time of the year, most of us were hoping Willie Gay would be a large part of this Defense. A high ankle sprain against the Los Angeles Chargers is preventing his continued progress. I think most of us were hoping he’d be Derrick Johnson, straight out of the gate. I do believe he has massive potential, and with the athletic ability he shows, why wouldn’t I. Yet, I can certainly admit that my expectations are simply far greater than the reality. Either way, I don’t believe our Chiefs will get to deploy that ability this week. Apparently, he will sit out yet another week.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, before injury, looked like he may eclipse the 1,000 yard rushing plateau in his rookie season. Conspicuously, he didn’t seem as involved in the passing game as many thought he would be. Ankle and hip injuries resulting on the same first down play against the Saints, led to Edwards-Helaire being helped off of the field in visible pain.
The news this week, almost five weeks later, is still uncertain. Le’Veon Bell, Darrel Williams, and Darwin Thompson have all played a valued role during Clyde’s absence and the acquisition to bring Bell into the fold is now amplified greatly, even if he simply remains added depth. The Chiefs previous week six matchup against these very same Buffalo Bills, proved to be a breakout performance for Edwards-Helaire. Should he get the opportunity to return this week, hopefully fully healthy, a repeat performance would give our Chiefs a decided advantage! Bell looks like he’s dealing with a swollen knee and may not be ready to go.
Non Ankles
Sammy Watkins (calf) and Rashad Fenton (foot) round out the listed injuries as I write this. What a boon it would be to have playoff Sammy healthy for a revenge game against the team that drafted and then traded him away years ago. Fenton, who has played more, and well above expectations, provides further depth to the secondary. While Fenton has played well in the slot, I’ve personally felt he’s played his best ball on the outside. Hopefully both are available to help us advance to the Super Bowl for a second consecutive year.
That Toe though…
Which brings us back around to our boy, Patrick. Let’s not kid ourselves here, Patrick Mahomes is the Kansas City Chiefs success. As much as I understand that football is the ultimate team game, now more than ever we are seeing proof positive that the ultimate success of a football organization over time relies upon the Quarterback. Can you win games without a QB? Sure you can! Though when the rubber meets the road and you are vying for the American Football Conference Championship, more times than not, there is a quarterback of note under center.
The pain was obvious. Directly affecting his plant foot enough to alter the power available of each throw. Visibly limping and consciously favoring his right foot. When Mahomes is able to focus, there are few that can match his prowess on the field. [Personal note and small confession: shortly after an outpatient surgery of my own, I made the decision to help my Bowling team. Literally drove from the outpatient center to the alley. It was strange, I shot my best league series up to that point. It almost seemed as if the pain I was experiencing while bowling helped me maintain my focus.] Most of us remember the 2019 Titans game. Coming off of the kneecap injury and still concerned about his ankle, Patrick Mahomes tore up the field to the tune of 446 yards passing, 3 touchdowns, and a 72% completion rate in the fluke loss. I have to hope this week, and moving forward as well, that Patrick will be able to respond akin to that Titans game.
Protocol
The NFL Concussion protocol is different for each and every person, as well as each and every case. Proven simply by comparing Breeland and Mahomes’ hopefully brief stints. From what I understand, the protocol covers more than just brain trauma, to include nerve and spinal issues as well. I did not stay at a Holiday inn express last night, (actually it was a Sheraton) and will not pretend to have any team affiliation, or NFL access to Mahomes’ concussion protocol situation. I hear what you are hearing. At this point, it looks like Patrick has cleared the protocol to play this Sunday. I’ll leave you with a quote from Chiefs Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy about Patrick practicing Thursday of this week, “He looks like Pat to me!”
John Lovelace — ArrowheadOne
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