KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Less than 24 hours after suffering the first defeat of the season, the Chiefs answered questions against the Denver Broncos.
For one, there should be no doubt if the Chiefs are for real contrary to what some in the media are spewing. It’s tough for a level-headed person to argue against that fact when considering the road atmosphere against one of the league’s top teams.
Nov 17, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Members of the Kansas City Chiefs defensive team on the bench late in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Of course, the uncertainties surrounding an inconsistent offense remain.
But any concerns over the players potentially sulking over the 27-17 loss to the Broncos won’t be found at One Arrowhead Drive.
“It’s important we learn from this right here and bring ourselves back a stronger football team,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said during Monday’s media session. “I had a chance to talk the guys last night after the game and they understand that, which is a plus. This is a tough-minded group and they understand.”
Reid told reporters the road to an undefeated season is “tough” in the NFL and pointed to the reality of the team’s situation.
The Chiefs don’t have time to mull over Week 11’s defeat with another divisional foe, the San Diego Chargers, coming to Arrowhead Stadium in Week 12.
“The reality is what’s real,” Reid said. “You’re 9-1 and you have an opportunity to play a great football team coming in here. That’s real; that’s what it is.”
Moreover, Reid said Sunday night’s loss and the atmosphere, which was virtually playoff-like with the heavy media and fan attention, was a “great experience” and the players will learn from it.
A good thing, too, as Reid pointed out the Chargers do a lot of things on offense and defense that mirror the Broncos.
“We’re going to see some similar things offensively from San Diego and their defense,” Reid said. “They’re going to blitz and bring people from all over the place. We’re going to be challenged in that same way.”
In the meantime, the Chiefs head coach said the players will return to the routine he’s mentioned throughout the season during weekly media sessions with reporters.
“No matter what people write or say, you go back and respect that opponent that’s coming in,” Reid said. “You study that opponent, then you get yourself right and ready to play them.
“These guys they understand,” he continued. “They worked very hard to put themselves in this position, so it’s a tough-minded group, they’ll respond here.”
Of course, Reid eventually conceded the human side of his players.
With the anticipation of Week 11’s showdown and the confidence the Chiefs had entering the game against Denver, the outcome wasn’t the desired result.
“You better be a little disappointed,” Reid said when asked about the team’s mood on the return trip to Kansas City. “You put a lot of time and effort each week preparing for that team, so you better feel a little bit.”
Still, there’s a lesson to take from every game this season.
“But you better also figure out the answer of why; why does this happen?” Reid said. “Then you learn from it. That’s what you do.”
