Kansas City, — With no potential playoff advancement at stake, the Kansas City Chiefs are strategically embracing a preservation mode as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday. Head coach Andy Reid has confirmed that quarterback Patrick Mahomes will take a seat, and several regular players are slated for ample rest in what Reid referred to as an opportunity to showcase younger talent.
Blaine Gabbert is set to assume the quarterback role in place of Patrick Mahomes, with the coaching staff viewing the game as an audition for emerging players. Gabbert conveyed a simple message to the team, stating, “Go out there and have fun.”
Regardless of the outcome against the Chargers (5-11), the Chiefs (10-6) have secured the No. 3 seed in the AFC, solidifying their position in the playoff picture. The Chargers, on the other hand, have struggled, losing four consecutive games and seven of their last eight.
One of Gabbert’s objectives for the upcoming game is to propel tight end Travis Kelce beyond 1,000 receiving yards for the eighth consecutive season. Kelce, who missed Week 1 due to a knee injury, showcased his prowess with a season-best performance of 12 catches and 179 yards in Kansas City’s Week 7 victory over the Chargers.
Expressing admiration for Kelce, Gabbert emphasized, “He’s the best. He has a rare feel for the game of football. He sees the game like a quarterback.” While Reid has yet to finalize Kelce’s status, Gabbert underscored that the remarkable production is not only expected from Kelce but is also a standard for the entire organization.
Discussing Kelce’s potential participation, Gabbert remarked, “If he wants to play, he’ll play. If Coach Reid says have him rest, he’s gonna rest. Ultimately that’s on Coach Reid, but if we’re out there, we’re going to do our best to get him 17 yards.”
Reflecting on Mahomes’ outstanding performance as the NFL MVP in 2022, leading the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory, the 2023 season saw the team fall short of their previous 14-3 record. Mahomes’ statistics, totaling 4,183 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, haven’t reached the heights of the previous season. His sole four-touchdown game this season occurred on October 22 in the initial encounter with the Chargers.
