Chiefs’ Skyy Moore had no catches vs. Jets. Here’s what Mahomes, Reid see from him
Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid wasn’t in much of a mood Wednesday to discuss any potential struggles with his team’s offense.
That included when he was asked about second-year receiver Skyy Moore, who had no catches in Sunday’s win against the Jets — the second time in four games this season the Chiefs’ 2022 second-round pick went without a reception.
“We’re rotating a bunch of guys in there. So nobody’s got an extreme amount of catches on this (team), but that’s just how it’s gonna be,” Reid said. “I mean, we have six, seven guys that can play, so we’re putting them all in here and there.”
Reid followed up by directly addressing Moore.
“But I like what I’ve seen from him,” Reid said. “He’s doing good.”
Moore was considered one of KC’s standout players in training camp in the summer, when offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and cornerback Trent McDuffie, among others, spoke to the improvement they’d seen from him since his rookie year.
A jump also seemed likely because of his circumstances. Moore spent last season learning all of the Chiefs’ receiver positions, which meant it took some time for him to become fully comfortable with the offense.
He’s flashed at times this season. Moore had a touchdown catch in Week 2 against Jacksonville, while also helping seal the game with a 54-yard reception; Reid later complimented him for that play, saying Moore “fought like crazy” to get open during a Mahomes scramble drill.
Moore also had four catches for 42 yards in a blowout win against Chicago, when most of the Chiefs’ starters were subbed out in the third quarter.
It’s the bookends of his season that have been the disappointment. Moore failed to bring in a few throws that hit his hands in a season-opening loss to Detroit, then Sunday, seemed to lose Mahomes’ confidence after the two had miscommunication on an early third-down pass where Moore appeared to drift further upfield than the QB wanted.
When asked Wednesday about what he’s seen from Moore, Mahomes took some blame for the receiver’s lack of production against the Jets.
“Skyy has a lot of talent. He’s done a great job of getting better, even from last year and throughout this season,” Mahomes said. “And I think ... we’re gonna keep finding a way in this offense. I think if I play better and throw some of those passes at the right time and the right spot, it’ll let these guys go out there and make plays.”
Moore’s quiet game also ignited more extensive discussion about the Chiefs’ offense following Sunday’s 23-20 victory over the Jets.
KC’s wideouts (not including tight ends and running backs) had seven combined catches for 65 yards. The leader in that group was rookie Rashee Rice, who had three receptions for 32 yards.
Mahomes and Reid spoke Wednesday about how Rice remains a developing player. Reid said he’s seeing progress from Rice every week, while Mahomes said the 2023 second-round pick “has all the talent in the world.”
“He’s just learning how to read coverages, how to be in the progression of this offense. And I think y’all see how talented he is once he makes the catch, and he’s moving down the field,” Mahomes said. “And so he’s a tough, physical runner. He’s explosive. I think as the season goes on, he’ll continue to get better and better.”
Justin Watson is KC’s leading wideout with 163 receiving yards through four games. Rice is second (13 catches for 140 yards), while Moore is third (seven for 112).
Even without a true No. 1 emerging, it’s possible the Chiefs’ receiver issue might be overstated.
One data point for that argument: The Chiefs, through four games last season, had 574 receiving yards from their wideouts; this season, they have 588 receiving yards from that same position group.
Some caveats apply. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce missed the 2023 opener because of injury, which should’ve provided more opportunities for others to produce. KC also kept only five receivers on the roster last year, compared to seven this season before Richie James was placed on injured reserve.
Regardless, Reid downplayed any suggestion the Chiefs might have a receiver issue Wednesday.
“We have a couple young guys we’re kind of bringing along,” Reid said, “but I think they’re doing a pretty good job.”
