Chiefs HC Andy Reid likes what he sees from new veteran QB
The Kansas City Chiefs had to do something they hadn't had to do in several years, and Andy Reid likes what he sees so far. The Chiefs haven't had to find a veteran backup in quite some time. Since 2018, Chad Henne had been on the roster until this year, as he retired after the […]
The Kansas City Chiefs had to do something they hadn't had to do in several years, and Andy Reid likes what he sees so far.
The Chiefs haven't had to find a veteran backup in quite some time. Since 2018, Chad Henne had been on the roster until this year, as he retired after the Super Bowl win just a few months ago.
Even in 2019, they had Henne and Matt Moore, as they picked Moore up from free agency mid-season as Mahomes and Henne both encountered injuries. Either way, the Chiefs have always had a good backup plan behind Mahomes, and it has always been a savvy veteran.
This offseason was different in that aspect. This was the first time since 2018 that Henne wasn't on the roster. This was the first time since before then that the Chiefs would have to find a backup veteran quarterback. They found one in Blaine Gabbert.
"He’s smart," Andy Reid told the media when asked about Gabbert. "He’s bigger than I thought he was. (He’s) a big kid. (He) throws the ball – (he has) a strong arm. (He) has developed a good relationship with Pat (Mahomes). (I) look forward to seeing when things are going fast (but) right now, he’s making sure he knows where everybody’s at and has it down. But you can tell he’s done it before.”
In the past, Reid talked about how important it is that Mahomes have a veteran back him up, for a few different reasons. He wants a guy who, if he has to come in, has a ton of experience. But he also wants a guy behind Mahomes that can still teach him things based on experiences.
He was asked on Wednesday if he thinks that is still an important roster decision.
“I don’t think it is. I don’t think it is. I would tell you that if you could find a good veteran player (and) something were to happen to Pat (Mahomes) if you have confidence in a guy that’s not a bad way to go just from experience sake at that spot," Reid said. "We saw that with Chad (Henne) when he had to play. He did a nice job with it, but I think we have a couple (of) good young guys, too, back there."
Gabbert spent the last three seasons backing up Tom Brady, who is the most accomplished player of all time. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers trusted him enough to be behind Brady, so the Chiefs felt like it was the right decision for Mahomes too.
Gabbert has played in 67 games in his career and started in 48. He has the experience, and that is really all that matters. We have seen the Chiefs' backup quarterback position be one that is vital because of Mahomes getting injured.
In 2020 the Chiefs played the Cleveland Browns in the playoffs, and Mahomes was injured. Henne came in and finished the game off, including a crazy final play to get a first down that sealed the win.
Just this last playoff run when Mahomes injured his ankle against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Henne did something similar. He came in and orchestrated a 99-yard touchdown drive. That is what the backup quarterback has to be able to do every once in a while, and the Chiefs feel confident that Gabbert is the next one.
