Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Andy Reid names key factor in Chiefs turnaround

The Kansas City Chiefs defied the odds and won their second straight Super Bowl this season after a tumultuous start to the 2023 NFL season. Led by Patrick Mahomes, as usual, the Chiefs overcame early struggles and came out victorious in Super Bowl LVIII. 

Talking with Colin Cowherd, head coach Andy Reid detailed what changed for the Chiefs during the season. Cowherd explains that between Week 6 and Week 9, many believed the Chiefs' playoff spot was in jeopardy. It wasn't until late December that everything changed for them, starting the run that resulted in another championship. 

This season, the Chiefs had to rely on a rookie as their second most dangerous receiver. Reid states that Rashee Rice rose to the occasion, making big plays down the stretch in the regular season and then in the postseason.

"We just needed Rashee to keep growing." Reid said. "He was so willing to do that. Patrick was so willing to work with him and never got frustrated with him. It worked out. We all had hope. We just need him to keep growing."

Reid has admitted that the Chiefs got a wake-up call when they lost to the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas. After that loss, they went on a six-game winning streak that ended with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. 

Besides Kelce and Rice, other players like Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Super Bowl hero Mecole Hardman helped the Chiefs with big plays. 

Next season, the job will be even harder, as every team in the league is bolstering its ranks to beat the Chiefs. But you should never question the heart of a champion, and the Chiefs will have the chance to remind everybody of that in the 2024 season. 

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