From the second Patrick Mahomes took the reins of the offense, the Kansas City Chiefs became one of the deadliest offensive teams in football. However, hasn't been much of the case in the past couple of seasons.
Losing offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy had a huge impact on the team's ability to put up points on the scoreboard. Even with Andy Reid always calling plays, things just weren't the same once Bieniemy left the building.
That's why Travis Kelce is so ecstatic to see him back out there. While Kelce won't outright call out Matt Nagy, the now-New York Giants offensive coordinator, and his inadequacies, the future Hall of Fame tight end loves the fire and accountability that Bieniemy brings to the table. Rookie or veteran, Coach Bieniemy will get in everyone's faces and demand nothing but top effort.
Travis Kelce missed Eric Bieniemy's tough love
"It's a breath of f—ing fresh air, man," Kelce said on his podcast. "I just love it, man. This has nothing to do with who was on the staff last year. It's just what Bieniemy brings to the table and how he goes about it, man. And he's holding everybody accountable, me included. He's gotten on my a– a few times, got me going on days that I needed it, and I love him for it."
Of course, that doesn't work for everyone. In fact, Bieniemy didn't make many friends when he joined the Washington Commanders. Not everyone can appreciate tough love and accountability, but Kelce and the Chiefs certainly do.
Granted, that's not the only reason the Chiefs brought him back; they didn't need a babysitter or someone to yell at the guys. Bieniemy is a running game guru, and that's an area the Chiefs have struggled badly since his departure.
The Chiefs' offensive line poses some questions, but with a revamped running back room, Bieniemy should bring the Chiefs' underwhelming offense back to life after nearly a decade without a 1,000-yard rusher.
Kelce is most likely about to enter his final year in the league. He could retire tomorrow and skip into Canton. Travis Kelce has nothing more to prove on the football field. So, maybe, besides everything that's going on in his life, he just didn't have that fire in him anymore. It's valid; he's earned that.
But now that Coach Bieniemy is back in the fold, maybe he feels rejuvenated and like a rookie just earning his stripes in the league again. Perhaps that's what he needs to decide to run it back for yet another season and stay for a little longer.
Even if that's not the case, and while Kelce is clearly not the same player he was before Bieniemy's departure, he's been with the organization long enough to understand what works and what doesn't, and to gauge the team's morale and momentum.
Not everyone may appreciate Bieniemy's ways, but they'll all have to respect them. Maybe this team got way too complacent and cute on offense, but that won't be an issue with their new offensive coordinator, who'll keep them all grounded.
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