Categories: Kansas City ChiefsLaddie Morse

Chiefs: “He Said What?”

Chiefs: “He Said What?”

by Laddie Morse | November 19, 2018

Sometimes players and coaches in the NFL make the most interesting, or revealing, comments that can rub the opposition the wrong way. It’s called, Bulletin Board Material. However, in this “Biggest NFL Game of the Year” coming up tonight, both teams — the L.A. Rams and the K.C. Chiefs — appear to be avoiding any kind of brash balderdash. Still, here are a few of those utterances, that as a Chiefs fan, may make you want to say: “He Said What?”

In an interview last week, Chiefs OLB Dee Ford was asked if he knew when Eric Berry was coming back? Part of Ford’s response was,

“I know one thing, I just did a very groundbreaking core-workout with EB yesterday, me him and Steven Nelson… and we break bread every day and we make each other better, as players and as friends. So, that man has taken a step, every day of his life, to get better. He wants to be on the field so, if he’s not on the field, it’s for a reason. So, everybody can get over that. He’ll be back.”

[Note: it’s good to hear that Eric Berry is working out hard and keeping pace with his own workout regimine.]

Ford went on to say that he didn’t know (as far as guaranteeing) when EB would be back but, that Berry was preparing everyday for this [next] game. It’s been since September 7, 2017 when Eric Berry hurt his Achilles heel and it’s now been nearly 15 months since that time. I’d be surprised if Berry didn’t play throughout December to sharpen his game-time senses in order to be ready for the playoffs.

[Update: the following info came on Sunday]

If Eric Berry is available following the Bye week that means he’ll likely get his first game action in Oakland versus the Raiders or at home the following week against the Ravens. Either way, having Berry back should make a huge difference to the defense (and give a nice lift for the offense as well).

That brings up the changes Andy Reid is believed to have made during this offseason: to make sure his team is at full strength for the playoffs. Reid’s team, especially with the Chiefs, have been criticized for not being tough enough once they get to the playoffs which may be the key reason the team has done well during the season but not when January arrives. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Reid hold Mitch Morse back until December for the same idea in mind.

Todd Gurley was asked last week about this game and whether or not he thought it could be a Super Bowl preview and he said,

“Mmm, I don’t know, potentially, I mean, any game in the NFL could be a Super Bowl preview.”

Mmm, Todd, no it can’t. You see, only games pitting an NFC team vs an AFC can qualify for the correct answer to this question. The media person who asked that question let it ride. Of course, perhaps they thought Gurley was right. I guess that’s understandable since the US is only 14th in the world in education.

Marcus Peters was asked if it was going to be tough to keep your emotions in check when playing against the Kansas City Chiefs and he replied:

“No, I’m really looking for to seeing Emmitt Smith, All Harris, the rest of the DB group, uh, uh, a few other players like Justin Houston, I hope EB make the trip. Umm, but naw man, it’s football broh.”

While Peters has made it clear before that he left on good terms with Andy Reid, it is notable that he mentioned all his defensive coaches and friends here, but not… Bob Sutton. Hehe… the intended sin of omission will always get ya!

Former Chiefs QB — and Raiders standout — Rich Gannon, gives us his best individual picks in this game:

“Patrick Mahomes over Jared Goff- because Mahomes is more mobile and more accurate.”

“Todd Gurley over Kareem Hunt- because he’s more involved in the Rams offense.”

“Tyreek Hill over Robert Woods- because Hill is not only faster but a much better camera man.”

Sean McVay over Andy Reid- because he thinks McVay is a more creative play-caller, and the best play-caller in the league.”

“Chiefs over the Rams- I like the Chiefs in this one. I think their defense is getting better… and I think that could be the difference in this game.”

McVay more creative than Andy Reid? Makes me go Hmmmmmm……….

Stephen A. Smith of ESPN doesn’t believe that Patrick Mahomes is one of the best young QBs in the NFL. He says,

“Do you see how sensational the pieces are around him? Kareem Hunt. Tyreek Hill. Travis Kelce. Sammy Watkins. By the way, that offensive line has been doing it up as well. Patrick Mahomes has stood back in the pocket (then he gives examples of what Mahomes has had time to do back there)… I’m saying he’s throwing to cats that are wide open. The Kansas City Chiefs have the best offense in football… and Patrick Mahomes has something to do with that but these (other) brothers right here are lethal, they are lethal.”

It raises a question: if another QB was inserted into this offense, would he, could he, do as well as Patrick Mahomes? I think that is a ludicrous question because we have already seem what Alex Smith did in this systme for 5 year and it didn’t approach anything near what Mahomes has done… even with the 500 extra yards of a Sammy Watkins. What do you think?

I’m unsure as to why the league has replaced the refereeing crew that was going to cover the game in Mexico City, but that’s exactly what they’ve done.