The Kansas City Chiefs head coach made a surprising decision to move training indoors amid supposed weather concerns on Thursday, but as the skies remained pristine the question shifted to whether it was to protect Patrick Mahomes.
Andy Reid’s call ended a planned open-air training session and ensured the media and fans couldn’t see how any of the players were performing, despite no rain, no wind, and no sign of a storm in St Joseph.
Entering his 26th year as a head coach, the 66-year-old used his authority to remove distractions and address a more pressing issue: His team’s underwhelming start to camp as they look to rebound following their Super Bowl LIX heartbreak.
The Chiefs had invested heavily in reinforcing their roster but four days in, chemistry and execution were missing and this seems to be sparking cause for concern from the coaching staff.
Concerns from coaching staff
Reports from practice observers painted a concerning picture. Kansas City’s first-team offense had failed to convert in six of its last eight red zone attempts during 11-on-11 play.
The reason? Miscommunication has plagued route timing. For example, Xavier Worthy misjudged depth on two corner routes and Marquez Valdes-Scantling dropped a would-be touchdown.
“Bit of a strange day at training camp,” wrote Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride. “Plans to go inside changed, and the team practiced outside with no fans in attendance.”
The shift wasn’t just about limiting public visibility-it was a message. Reid chose silence and isolation over public scrutiny, shielding his team from headlines while focusing on fundamentals.
Is Patrick Mahomes struggling for the Kansas City Chiefs?
While practice performance is rarely conclusive in July, Patrick Mahomes’ uncharacteristic inconsistencies have not gone unnoticed. Traditionally known for precision and poise, the Chiefs’ quarterback has looked unsteady, particularly on deeper throws.
According to team insiders, Mahomes has completed just 17 of his last 35 throws in red zone team drills. Even more striking, he hasn’t strung together three consecutive completions during full-speed team reps since the previous weekend.
“They’re usually way ahead of the curve by Day 5,” said NFL Network’s James Palmer. “This year?
“You’re seeing overthrows, hesitation, and second guesses. That’s not Mahomes.”
While there is no reason to panic yet, Mahomes’ early struggles suggest more than post-offseason rust. Timing is off, cohesion with receivers is lacking, and Reid clearly sees the urgency.
Can the Kansas City Chiefs fix it in time for their Week 1 clash with the Los Angeles Chargers? The team has until September 5 when they meet their AFC West rivals in Sao Paulo, Brazil to kick off their own 2025/26 NFL season.
Mahomes and the Chiefs are chasing a third Super Bowl title in four seasons and a 10th consecutive AFC West title ahead of the Chargers, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders.
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