The Kansas City Chiefs are in unfamiliar territory, dropping to 0-2 on the season after a 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Arrowhead. Still, there is a reason for belief considering this is the same core we watched go 3-4 and still make the Super Bowl that same year. Kansas City is struggling to replace Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, leaving room for a hot run down the stretch of the season as the roster continues to grow healthier. This appeared to be the mindset of head coach Andy Reid, who remained positive.
A to Z Sport's Charles Goldman reported Reid's comments in the postgame with the coach offering the following: "I thought defensively we played really solid football... On the offensive side, we can't have the turnover." Reid, focusing on the positive and pointing out the turnover, speaks to a head coach who understands the continued potential of this team. Kansas City is simply too accomplished and proven to panic over a two-game losing streak.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid Remains Hopeful Despite Frustrating 0-2 Start to the Season
Rice is set to return in the middle of October, and Worthy could return as soon as next week. The offense is going to get better, and the Chiefs have an incredible defense to lean on until the unit figures things out. Helping this case is the fact that you have a very winnable game next week, traveling to New York to take on the 0-2 Giants.
This is as winnable a game as there is on Kansas City's schedule, leaving every reason to believe the losing streak ends next Sunday. While the Ravens and Bills remain on the schedule, arguably the most difficult matchup was the Philadelphia Eagles. Andy Reid's group has very winnable games ahead and plenty of time to recover from the rough start.
It is fair to question whether or not the Chiefs should've added another weapon for Mahomes, understanding Worthy's injury concerns and the likely suspension of Rice. However, this points out another issue with rookie Jalen Royals missing the first two weeks of the season due to injuries as well. While excuses are never welcomed by a fan base used to greatness, there is no denying the Chiefs have been handed an uphill battle.
This uphill battle, however, doesn't appear to have discouraged or concerned Reid, with Goldman reporting the experienced head coach's further comments, "Keep playing hard. Stick together and play hard." While this is a simplistic message in many ways, it speaks to the mindset of the head coach.
One that understands this core is simply too talented and experienced not to turn this season around. Fans are understandably upset, but the Chiefs were overdue for a bit of bad luck. The roster is going to continue to get healthier, and Kansas City's offense will begin to figure things out. Week 3 against the Giants is the perfect opportunity for this to help turn the page and gain a sense of confidence.