Chiefs have spark plug in Hardman, who’s helped energize team in back-to-back games
In the Chiefs’ two most recent games, rookie wide receiver/return man Mecole Hardman has contributed game-changing plays on special teams to help Kansas City secure victories.
He had a 104-yard return for a touchdown in the Chiefs’ regular-season finale, a 31-21 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, and a 58-yard kickoff return that awakened the Chiefs from a 24-0 deficit against the Houston Texans.
“It was huge,” guard Stefen Wisniewski said of Hardman’s effort in last weekend’s Divisional Round win at Arrowhead Stadium. “Down 24-0, we needed a spark and that definitely gave us a spark. So, our offense was like, ‘Let’s go. We’ve got a head start, good field position, let’s go put one touchdown in.’”
With that favorable field position, the Chiefs two plays later scored the first of seven straight KC touchdowns to secure an 51-31 win and advance to Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Tennessee Titans.
On a team full of stars, Hardman has delivered when the Chiefs have needed a shot of energy.
“I do what I can do,” Hardman said. “Like I tell everybody, anytime I get the opportunity to do anything, I try to do the best I can and do it like that.”
The 5-foot-10, 187-pound speedster has done that and more in his rookie campaign.
Hardman appeared in all 16 regular-season games, with five starts, and produced 26 catches for 538 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 20.6 yards per catch.
He also made his mark on special teams as a punt and kickoff returner, totaling 167 yards on 18 punt returns and 704 yards and a touchdown on 27 kick returns en route to earning a second-team All-Pro selection and Pro Bowl nod as a returner.
Hardman’s 58-yard return last weekend against the Texans entered the Chiefs’ record books as the fourth-longest postseason kickoff in team history, and he finished the game with six kickoff returns for 142 yards, also the fourth-most for the franchise in a single playoff game.
None of the rookie’s accomplishments come as much of a surprise to his teammates.
“I’m not even claiming him as a rookie,” defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi said. “I see him as what he can do for the team. Him being back there on special teams, I don’t expect nothing less than greatness.”
Cornerback Charvarius Ward agreed.
“Mecole has got a whole lot better throughout the whole season,” Ward said. “It’s very exciting to watch him. I’m proud of him.”
Hardman, too, must be happy with he’s accomplished so far in his young career, right? Hardly. The confident 21-year-old believes the best is yet to come.
“There’s still more to come,” Hardman said. “I’ve still got a lot to learn. I’m improving every day, so the more I keep that mindset, the more opportunities I get.”
Hardman should get plenty of chances Sunday to provide another spark against a familiar foe. The Titans finished the regular ranked 24th against the pass (255 yards allowed per game), 26th against punt returns (9 yards allowed per attempt) and 20th against kickoff returns (23.7 yards allowed per attempt).
In the Chiefs’ meeting against the Titans in Week 10, Hardman made the most of his one catch by turning it into a 63-yard touchdown. He also totaled 90 yards on four kickoff returns.
On paper, the table sets up nicely for Hardman to help the Chiefs in their quest to advance to Super Bowl LIV.
“I just play my role and help the team the best way I can,” he said.
This story was originally published January 16, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
