Chiefs Still Plan to Be Explosive, Even Without Starting Receivers

And that's why Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes don’t plan on changing their 2025 goals, regardless of whether Brown and Rice are active.

Personnel won't affect explosive, aggressive approach

“We definitely want to push the ball down the field and push the ball into tighter windows this year,” Patrick Mahomes said after practice Thursday, via KCTV. “We got the guys that can make the contested catches, you’ve all seen that out here.”

They saw it on Tuesday when Mahomes completed a deep corner route to Thornton, who made a spectacular catch after the quarterback threaded a minuscule window through the arms of Chamarri Conner and Bryan Cook. And they’ve seen other younger receivers like Jalen Royals and Jason Brownlee emerge to capitalize on bonus reps with Mahomes.

“We told them we’d give them a chance and they’ve got to prove to us they can make those plays, and they’ve proven that,” Mahomes added. “Coach Reid’s been adamant about pushing the ball and trying to make plays happen, and let’s see if we can have success with it. And the goal is to keep that going throughout the regular season.”

Thornton might be able to help check that box. New England’s second-round selection in the 2022 draft, he turned 25 on Thursday and seems like a competent replacement for Brown. Regardless of when Brown returns, Thornton appears to have carved out a clear path forward in the Chiefs' offense. He also figures to serve as a special-teams staple when Kansas City kicks off the season Sept. 5 against the Chargers in Brazil.

Royals similar to Rice

The Chiefs have a replacement for Rice, too, in Royals. While Royals lacks Rice’s experience, the rookie is similar in size and speed. A fourth-round selection from Utah State, Royals also has earned the trust of Mahomes.

Saturday’s preseason opener at Arizona (7 p.m. CT, KSHB 41, 96.5 The Fan) could further solidify that trust. Mahomes will play the first quarter and figures to break the huddle with Thornton, Royals and possibly Brownlee.

“Yeah, so it's important that they get in,” Reid said Thursday, looking ahead to the game. “Now they're in front of some bright lights and it takes it up one more notch. Not quite the season, but we're still in front of a big crowd and another team. So, your adrenaline level gets pushed to another level and let's see how we do.”

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