'Every year is so different' – S Justin Reid discusses the unique challenges and triumphs for the Chiefs in 2024
The Kansas City Chiefs have overcome a lot of adversity this season. Some believe that they are a great team pretty much by default since they have a coach like Andy Reid and players such as quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and defensive tackle Chris Jones. However, there's plenty of hard work and […]
The Kansas City Chiefs have overcome a lot of adversity this season.
Some believe that they are a great team pretty much by default since they have a coach like Andy Reid and players such as quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and defensive tackle Chris Jones. However, there's plenty of hard work and dedication that goes into Kansas City's success.
One of the quieter leaders on the Chiefs, safety Justin Reid, talked with the media on Thursday about what has made this year's team unique from previous ones.
"Every year is so different," Reid said. "I think what's made this so cool is that, in a lot of ways, it's like the reunion type of year. We've had guys coming back. (RB) Kareem Hunt has came back. (WR) Juju Smith-Schuster comes back. Other guys like (TE) Jody Forson have come back too. For me, I played with D-Hop (WR DeAndre Hopkins) before. He came to the team mid-season, been a huge help. So, it's about overcoming challenges and injuries. I think this is the most injury-riddled year that we've had. And, you know, overcoming that and still finding ways to go out and get wins no matter if it's special teams, offense, or defense."
The Chiefs had to deal with a ton on injuries to key players throughout the year. WRs Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown missed most of the regular season, as did DT Charles Omenihu and cornerback Jaylen Watson. Pacheco missed nine games with an ankle injury, and four different players started at left tackle during the season.
Chiefs GM Brett Veach did a savvy job of bringing in replacements who have made a big impact on the team. Hunt and Smith-Schuster were unemployed when K.C. brought them in, and Hopkins was acquired for a mid-round draft pick. The Chiefs' coaching staff also deserves a lot of credit for getting guys up to speed and putting them in position to contribute.
