It’s that time of year when NFL teams are making their way back to training camps and minicamps to begin the new season. However, only one of them will be the last one standing, and with that comes the title of being crowned Super Bowl Champions. Each team has a select group of players that can be considered leaders both on and off the field. However, this requires a level of thought and, of course, productivity. Here are the three faces of the 2021 Kansas City Chiefs.
2021 Kansas City Chiefs: Faces of the Team
Patrick Mahomes
This really is no surprise. When you are paid as much money as Patrick Mahomes is and you happen to play quarterback, you end up being the face of the team. Not to mention, Mahomes did bring the Lombardi trophy back to Kansas City for the first time in 50 years after winning Super Bowl LIV. This past year, he made it back to the big game but was sent off the field following the game—a disheartening defeat against Tampa Bay and, really, the worst of his career so far.
But that’s the past. It’s about now. With a newly revamped offensive line and much of the team returning hoping to avoid another performance like that, it’s up to their quarterback to help guide that route. Can he do it? Yes, he can, and he’s got the arsenal to do it. But it can’t be all about the pass though; it starts with getting the running game going, and only then will the miraculous plays be effective.
Travis Kelce
Despite losing the Super Bowl, Travis Kelce had a productive game. In the end, however, he was seen congratulating Rob Gronkowski as he left the field with his Chiefs teammates. But once again, that was last year. Each year brings a new level of expectations and dreams. Kelce still is one of the league’s best tight ends, and his productivity in the Chiefs offense will likely garner playoff expectations once again in Kansas City.
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However, the passing game will have to incorporate a bit of the run game, as evidenced by Tampa Bay last February. Kelce, fortunately, is a strong blocker. He will have to put it to use this year, and Kansas City will have to take a more balanced approach. Choosing to lean towards the pass is bound to fail, regardless of what your offensive line looks like.
Chris Jones
Safety Tyrann Mathieu largely headlines the Chiefs defense. Yet, the biggest component is, in fact, defensive lineman Chris Jones. Jones has had the big responsibility of providing the pressure upfront for the Chiefs for much of his career. His first ring came because of the late pressures he provided against the 49ers. However, with no pressure on Tom Brady, it produced the opposite result.
However, all is not lost for Kansas City. They were able to sign former Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed to aid in the pressure department. This will surely make it easier for Jones to get through his blocks and deliver havoc on opposing quarterbacks. In the end, the Chiefs defense as a whole will need to step it up. They just watched their offense put up a measly nine points in the Super Bowl. They gave up 31 points themselves. That’s mnot good in any way, and it starts with the players on the front lines.
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