Chiefs News: Patrick Mahomes shares secrets to standing on the podium

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QB Patrick Mahomes reveals his strategy for press conferences | Chiefs Wire

During a recent appearance on the ‘Riggles Picks Podcast’ hosted by comedian Rob Riggle, Mahomes explained his handling of media press conference questions.

“It’s part of the profession. It’s part of being a quarterback and having to stay on that podium and talk win or loss. And yeah, I think what I’ve done and mastered is being able to say a lot of words without saying anything at all.” said Mahomes. “That’s my go-to whenever I get a question I might necessarily like; I’ll just say a lot of different words, but it really means nothing.”

2025 NFL Draft: One offensive player to watch for all 32 NFL teams | PFF

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: WR TORY HORTON, COLORADO STATE

We could say the Chiefs should keep their eye on a top-three receiver in the 2025 class, but they are much more likely to pick near the end of the draft as they chase a three-peat.

Later in Rounds 1 or 2, Colorado State wide receiver Tory Horton may be on the board. At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Horton can line up as an X or Z outside receiver. He has a slender build but good nuance to his routes and some of the strongest hands in the class. His skill set would pair well with the Chiefs’ existing speed.

Davante Adams, T.J. Watt, Ja’Marr Chase and one non-quarterback MVP for every NFL team | The Athletic

Kansas City Chiefs

Chris Jones, defensive tackle

Even with a roster featuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, Jones is a core reason why the Chiefs are in the midst of a dynasty. At 29, Jones is in the prime of his career and one of the league’s best pass rushers, who can pressure the opposing quarterback from the interior or the edge. In the past two seasons, Jones was double-teamed on 70 percent of his pass rushes as an interior defender, the highest rate in the league, according to Next Gen Stats. He still ranked second in the league in pass rush win rate, trailing only Aaron Donald. This offseason for Jones has been smooth compared to last year when he held out of everything — the offseason program, training camp, and even Week 1 — before rejoining the team on a revised one-year deal. His production should improve from last season — 10 1/2 sacks, 29 quarterback hits and four pass breakups — to ensure the Chiefs’ defense remains a strength. — Nate Taylor

Re-Drafting The 2024 NFL Draft After Early Offseason Buzz |B leacher Report

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Paul

Original Pick: WR Xavier Worthy, Texas

New Pick: OT Patrick Paul, Houston

While the Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver corps was lackluster last year and the front office likely saw some similarities between Tyreek Hill and Worthy during the pre-draft process, the Texas product hasn’t gotten off to a good start in Kansas City.

According to ESPN’s Adam Teichner, Worthy didn’t practice much during OTAs and minicamp and was inconsistent when on the field. Meanwhile, the Chiefs also have question marks at left tackle. So, in this re-draft scenario, they pivot toward addressing the latter need.

Thus far in Miami, Paul has impressed his veteran mentor, Terron Armstead, as well as his position coach Butch Barry.

“I’ve had a short time with Patrick so far. I’ve seen some great things on the field, impressive for sure,” Armstead said via Pro Football Network’s Adam Beasley. “Got a lot to learn, a lot of areas to improve in, but you see it — for sure, you see the potential. You see why he’s here. Smart young man.”

Five NFL teams that could be more explosive in 2024 | USA Today

“I think we’ve done a great job of mastering the intermediate and short stuff, but we want to get back to having that part of the offense as well,” Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes said in May. “Coach Reid is really pushing us to push it down the field. It’s hard to do against our defense, but we’re trying to make it happen.”

That should come as a welcome reversal for Mahomes, who has dialed back the deep shots since his 2018 MVP debut, with defenses loading up to deny him such looks. A lackluster receiving corps was partially responsible for Mahomes having the lowest average intended air yards of his career in 2023 (6.6). Marquise Brown and rookie first-round pick Xavier Worthy immediately change the complexion of that group with their speed, though each will need to prove trustworthy enough to Mahomes to be targeted frequently.

Biggest needs for AFC teams ahead of training camp: Chiefs offensive tackles, Steelers receivers top list | CBS Sports

Chiefs: Offensive tackle

As much as I was a fan of Wanya Morris coming into the 2023 NFL Draft, it is a lofty expectation to think the former Oklahoma right tackle will step in at left tackle seamlessly. Kingsley Suamataia was added for competition.

Cornerback is a primary need after moving L’Jarius Sneed this offseason. It will be interesting to learn whether they will play Trent McDuffie, who is one of the game’s rising stars, on the boundary or keep him in the slot. Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson, Chamarri Conner and Nazeeh Johnson would be competing for those other two starting spots.

Around the NFL

Bengals’ Joe Burrow ‘going to give people something to talk about’ after fading from relevance in 2023 | NFL.com

His most recent season ended in such fashion, too, sending Burrow into the shadows of the NFL consciousness after a wrist injury ended his campaign in Week 11.

Most might bristle at the idea of being forgotten amid a thrilling season, but not Burrow.

He relishes it.

“I believe that,” Burrow said during an appearance on Pardon My Take when asked if he felt people have forgotten about him. “That’s what happens when you get hurt though. You don’t play football. People forget about you.

“That’s part of the game. If you’re not out there and people aren’t watching you, then there’s nothing to talk about. So I’m going to give people something to talk about this year. I’m excited about it.”

Cameron Sutton suspended: Pittsburgh Steelers CB out for 8 games | USA Today

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton was suspended by the NFL on Monday for eight games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Sutton was released by the Detroit Lions on March 21, one day after the Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office publicly spread word that it had issued a warrant for his arrest stemming from his involvement in an alleged domestic violence incident earlier in the month. He was charged with misdemeanor battery and entered a pretrial diversion program in April.

Sutton, 29, signed a one-year deal with the Steelers on June 5, reuniting him with the team with which he spent the first six years of his NFL career.

NFL licenses brands for online mobile slots game | NBC Sports

The NFL might need an extra $14 billion, at some point in the next few years. Why not shake more cash out of the gambling tree?

Sports business reporter Daniel Kaplan, in an item for AwfulAnnouncing.com, reports that the NFL has licensed its brands to Aristocrat Gaming for an online mobile slot machine game. Previously, the league licenses its brands to Aristocrat for physical slot machines.

It’s just the latest step in the NFL’s ongoing money grab, when it comes to gambling. And when it comes to digital games of chance, there’s no chance the house won’t win, over time.

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride

Chiefs Roster: Setting expectations for Wanya Morris in Year 2

2023 in review

A third-round draft pick in 2023, Morris entered the season as the likely candidate to be the Chiefs’ swing tackle. After a late-season injury sidelined Donovan Smith for four games, Morris filled in with mixed results.

Morris displayed the ability to be a strong run-blocker, using his size and strength to bully defenders off the ball, as well as showing off his tenacity to finish plays.

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