Title: Pat McAfee Confident in Mecole Hardman’s Return to Chiefs
Subtitle: Kansas City Receivers Looking for a Boost in Production
Kansas City, Mo. – As the Kansas City Chiefs enter the later stages of the season, they are hoping for a spark in their receiving corps. Pat McAfee, NFL analyst and former player, is optimistic about Mecole Hardman’s return to the Chiefs.
Coming off a Super Bowl victory in the previous season, the Chiefs had high hopes for their wide receiver group. However, it is rookie Rashee Rice who has emerged as their leading player at the position, showcasing the inconsistency that has plagued the Chiefs this year.
In an effort to bolster their receiving game, the Chiefs traded for Mecole Hardman, who had previously played for the team before leaving as a free agent. Hardman’s return signifies the Chiefs’ desire for increased production in their receiving game, which has heavily relied on tight end Travis Kelce.
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy highlighted the team’s emphasis on spreading the ball around, rather than relying on one individual each week. Nagy expressed confidence in the team’s ability to grow and develop its wide receiver group throughout the season.
Statistically, the Chiefs’ wide receivers have caught the same number of passes as last season at this point. However, the average yards per catch has declined, indicating a need for improvement.
The Chiefs’ veteran wide receivers, including Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, and Skyy Moore, have not produced as expected. Despite this, quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains confident in his receivers’ ability to step up when needed most, citing recent big catches by Moore and Rice.
Hardman, who returned to practice with the Chiefs this week, could potentially feature in Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hardman had an impressive rookie season in 2019, scoring seven touchdowns and showcasing his speed with a per-catch average of 20.7 yards.
However, a groin injury last year hindered Hardman’s progress. Now fully recovered, the Chiefs plan to utilize his speed by incorporating him into plays such as jet sweeps, screens, and pop passes.
Meanwhile, Rice’s unexpected contribution has been a pleasant surprise for the Chiefs. Despite a drop rate of 7.1%, Rice is behind only Kelce in catches and receptions. His ability to gain yards after the catch has proven valuable for the team.
Rice attributes his success to the fast-paced practice environment that prepared him for the regular season. He also acknowledged the impact of playing alongside a talented quarterback like Mahomes.
With many of their wide receivers struggling to make an impact, the Chiefs recognize the significance of Rice’s play. However, offensive coordinator Nagy believes that any receiver on the team has the potential to step up and have a standout game each week.
Moving forward, the Chiefs have 11 games left in the regular season, providing ample opportunity for their wide receivers to make their mark statistically. While Hardman’s return brings hope, the Chiefs will rely on their entire receiving corps to contribute to the team’s success.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Chiefs’ wide receivers to see if they can elevate their game and help bring the team back to peak form.