Have you ever wondered if you’ve seen everything from the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense? What if I told you that the best is yet to come? That’s right—Andy Reid, one of the greatest offensive minds in NFL history, is saving his best plays for when it truly counts: the postseason.
Reid and the Chiefs have some secret plays up their sleeves, ones they only unleash during the most important games. Let’s dive into why these hidden gems make the Chiefs so dangerous and how Reid manages to surprise everyone when it matters most!
Why Hide the Best Plays?
At first glance, it may seem like the Chiefs have already shown all their cards during the regular season. But here’s the thing: Andy Reid doesn’t want to reveal everything too soon. The truth is, the regular season is about preparing for the playoffs, and Reid holds back his best strategies to keep opponents guessing.
Why? Simple: When playoff time rolls around, defenses have watched hours of film, breaking down every move the Chiefs make. They think they know what’s coming—but they have no idea what Reid has been saving.
The Rose Bowl Spin: A Play 70 Years in the Making
Let’s take Super Bowl LIV as an example. The Chiefs pulled off a trick play called the “Rose Bowl Spin,” which wasn’t some random idea. No, Reid found it in a 1948 Rose Bowl game tape. He introduced it to the team in 2019, but kept it hidden for over 1,000 minutes of game time before unveiling it in the Super Bowl. Imagine having to wait over a year to use a play you’ve been practicing weekly!
That’s Reid’s strategy: He saves his best moves for when they’ll have the biggest impact, and that includes using plays that catch even the most prepared defenses off guard.
The Surprise Factor
So why not use these plays all season long? Well, the secret to Reid’s success is surprise. Teams study each other closely during the season, and by the time the playoffs arrive, they think they’ve seen it all. But Reid keeps his team unpredictable, giving the defense no chance to prepare for what’s coming next.
For example, during the 2023 AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills, the Chiefs ran a play-action that seemed completely normal—but the truth is, it had been in the works for two full seasons. Reid had kept this play in his back pocket for the perfect moment. And when it came time, it worked like a charm.
Borrowing Ideas for New Tricks
Reid doesn’t just hold onto old plays—he’s always adapting. During that same game against the Bills, the Chiefs ran a play from an inverted wishbone formation with a read option. It was a look the Bills had never seen before, and it came from watching the Baltimore Ravens use it earlier in the season.
Reid’s ability to steal and adapt plays from other teams adds another layer of unpredictability to his playbook. He’s constantly looking for ways to surprise his opponents and keep them on their toes.
How These Plays Work
So, how do these secret plays actually work? It’s not just about surprise—it’s about exploiting weaknesses in the opposing defense. Take the Rose Bowl Spin, for example. The play wasn’t just flashy; it was designed to confuse the defense and create openings for Patrick Mahomes to make quick decisions and gain yardage. The beauty of it was in the timing and the unpredictability of the movement.
Why These Plays Matter
The best part about these secret plays? Reid reserves them for crucial moments—fourth down conversions, red zone opportunities, or when a game is on the line. The Chiefs know they can rely on these hidden weapons when they need a game-changing play. It’s all part of Reid’s philosophy of being prepared for anything, no matter the situation.
Reid’s Discipline and Patience
The level of discipline it takes to keep a play hidden for so long is impressive. It’s like Reid is playing an incredibly long game of hide-and-seek, holding onto these plays until the moment is right. And when that moment arrives, the Chiefs are ready to make a move that completely shifts the game.
What’s Next for the Chiefs?
So, what’s next for the Chiefs in the postseason? What new tricks does Reid still have up his sleeve? It’s impossible to say, but one thing’s for sure—the Chiefs will continue to be dangerous because of their ability to surprise and adapt.
Final Thoughts
Andy Reid’s strategy of saving his best plays for the postseason is one of the key reasons why the Kansas City Chiefs are so successful. From trick plays with decades of history to formations borrowed from other teams, Reid always keeps his opponents guessing. When the postseason hits, you can be sure that something big is coming.
So, the next time you’re watching a Chiefs playoff game, keep your eyes peeled for that surprise play that could change the course of the game. And who knows? You might just witness the next big moment in NFL history.
What’s your favorite Chiefs play? Do you have a bold prediction for what Reid will pull out next? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for reading, and see you in the next one!