A closer look at the KC Chiefs’ success in season openers under head coach Andy Reid
Coach Andy Reid’s success in the Chiefs’ regular-season openers since he arrived in Kansas City in 2013 cannot be disputed.
With Reid at the helm, the Chiefs are a collective 8-1 in season openers, an impressive stat ahead of Sunday’s road game against the Arizona Cardinals.
“I wish we wouldn’t have had the one (loss) in there,” Reid joked Monday.
Kansas City’s lone season-opening stumble under Reid occurred in 2014 — a 26-10 defeat against the Tennessee Titans.
All joking aside, what’s the secret behind the Chiefs’ run of season-opening success?
“I don’t know that,” Reid said. “... I appreciate the question, but I don’t care about that right now.”
Reid’s response isn’t a surprise because he doesn’t typically dwell on his individual statistics. But it is hard to ignore the fact that his Chiefs have been able to start fast in the win-loss column every year.
With that early momentum, the Chiefs have advanced to the postseason in eight straight seasons. The run includes two Super Bowl appearances — they won a championship after the 2019 season — and six straight AFC West titles.
The only time the Chiefs haven’t made the playoffs under Reid? Coincidentally, it occurred in 2014, when they stumbled out of the gate and finished with a 9-7 record.
Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones offered his own explanation for the team’s dominance in Week 1 games.
“It’s all about preparation with Andy,” said Jones, one of the longest-tenured players on the Chiefs’ current roster (seven seasons under Reid). “Year in and year out, training camp is extremely tough, and I think that translates to the game week.
“The way he prepares to be physically and mentally ready from when the season approaches, I think, is beneficial to us as a team.”
On Sunday in Glendale, Arizona, the Chiefs have a chance to put Jones’ reasoning to practical use and extend Reid’s notable regular-season success story.
INJURY REPORT
Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), guard Trey Smith (shoulder), safety Deon Bush (foot) and defensive end Malik Herring (abdomen) were the only players listed with an injury designation on Kansas City’s Wednesday practice report. All were able to practice in full. Barring a setback, each should be available at full speed Sunday.
This story was originally published September 7, 2022 at 1:27 PM.
