Since Patrick Mahomes joined the Kansas City Chiefs, the team has experienced the best period in its storied history. Before his arrival, they had won only one Super Bowl (IV) in 1969. Now, they have added three more titles and are the eighth team in NFL history with a chance to achieve a three-peat. Remarkably, last season, the defense outshined the offense, steering the team through most of the season.
This year, with Travis Kelce, Isiah Pacheco, and a new corps of receivers, the offense is expected to return to form. Last season, due to a lack of reliable receivers, Travis Kelce faced double coverage in almost every game, though it hardly slowed him down. Rookie Rashee Rice took some time to find his footing but ended up with the most postseason receptions by a rookie, with 26. This season, the Chiefs add an intriguing new element: former rugby player Louis Rees-Zammit. Mahomes had this to say about their new addition: “We’re starting him at running back. He is gonna do a lot of special teams stuff”.
“He catches it like he’s catching a rugby ball, but he never drops the football.” While preseason optimism is high, the true test will come when the games begin. Andy Reid’s ingenuity will undoubtedly play a role in utilizing Rees-Zammit effectively. Rees-Zammit joined the NFL through the International Pathway program, and it will be fascinating to watch his adaptation and see if he secures a spot on the final 53-man roster. As the favorites to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy, the Chiefs are a team that doesn’t necessarily need to experiment with new ideas, but they are doing so anyway.
What is the NFL’s International Pathway?
According to the NFL, “Established in 2017, the NFL International Player Pathway (IPP) program aims to provide elite athletes from around the world the opportunity to earn a spot on an NFL roster and increase the number of international players in the league.” The program is designed to promote American football globally. While the NFL’s popularity and revenue are already substantial, the league lags behind other major sports leagues like the NBA, MLB, and MLS in terms of international player representation. This initiative helps bridge that gap by introducing more international talent to the league.
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