Andy Reid and his Kansas City Chiefs squad went down to the Green Bay Packers last week. On a day when young quarterback Jordan Love overshadowed two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs had no way left but to digest a 19-27 loss. Despite the loss, the defending champion team is in the top spot of the AF West with an 8-4 record.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills have secured only one win in their last four games, earning a “trash Allen” jab for their quarterback, Josh Allen. The Chiefs are slated for a match against the Bills in Week 14. Prior to the game, Andy Reid decided to express his support to Bills head coach Sean McDermott amid his off-field controversy.
Andy Reid defends Sean McDermott’s character amid backlash
Sean McDermott found himself under intense scrutiny this past week following the surfacing of an article that stirred controversy regarding his past remarks. The article disclosed a previous instance where the Bills coach used the 9/11 hijackers as an analogy for individuals working collectively towards a shared objective. He received a series of backlash from the NFL community due to the incident and has even publicly apologized since then.
The head coach dedicated consecutive press conferences to clarify his stance, addressing the concerns raised in the article sourced by GoLong, which advocated for his dismissal based on various perspectives from sports enthusiasts. Amidst the storm of criticism, Andy Reid emerged as his defender. McDermott, who served as an assistant for Reid during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles for a decade, received support from his former mentor.
When questioned about the incident, the Chiefs HC affirmed his backing for McDermott. He highlighted their mutual respect despite not engaging in direct communication about the controversy.
“None of us talk during the week. That’s just how it goes. We’re all so busy doing our thing. I can just tell you Sean McDermott is a heck of a human being. That’s what I do know,” Reid said via NBC Sports.
With the Chiefs gearing up to face the Bills in a highly anticipated game, both teams entered the season with lofty aspirations of Super Bowl contention. Despite the recent off-field turbulence, the focus for both franchises remains fixed on the upcoming game and the prospect of a deep playoff run. Though the Chiefs will undoubtedly be the favorite to secure a win, the Bills may also surprise by upsetting the defending champion with a loss.
Reid names Clyde Edwards-Helaire as starter with Isiah Pacheco out
The Chiefs running back Isaiah Pacheco suffered a shoulder contusion during their recent clash with the Green Bay Packers. This injury sidelined him from Wednesday’s practice, initially leaving room for hope regarding his recovery. However, subsequent developments dashed those expectations, and the team ruled him out for the critical upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills.
Pacheco’s absence places the spotlight on Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire to carry the rushing load for the Chiefs. McKinnon, who has been absent since Week 11 due to a groin issue, is set to return. Meanwhile, Coach Andy Reid confirmed that Edwards-Helaire would assume the primary role against the Bills.
“Yes,” the HC said when asked if Edwards-Helaire would be the RB1. “We’ve got different personnel groups but yes, [Edwards-Helaire] is the number one guy, yes.”
Despite limited involvement this season, Edwards-Helaire’s role as the starter highlights the Chiefs’ faith in his ability to step up when needed. During the 2023 season, he has been sidelined for much of the action due to Pacheco’s dominance in the backfield, recording only 140 yards and a single touchdown on 40 carries across 11 games.
Meanwhile, McKinnon showcased versatility before being sidelined due to injury. Despite only 13 carries for 30 yards, he demonstrated his all-around skills with 19 receptions, amassing 155 yards and scoring three touchdowns.
