Mahomes Nears Return, Titans’ Ward Gets New OC

Mahomes on Track for Week 1, Chiefs QB Recovery Progresses

All eyes are on Patrick Mahomes and his recovery timeline as the Kansas City Chiefs keep a close watch on their star quarterback. He is working back from an injury, and footage of his progress was shown last week. Many fans are eager to see if he will be ready for the start of the NFL season. The Chiefs did sign Justin Fields as a backup quarterback, adding depth to the position.

According to Chiefs reporter Nate Taylor, who shared information from the NFL owners meetings, there’s optimism about Mahomes’s return. Clark Hunt mentioned that the Chiefs are not expected to start the season in Seattle, suggesting that game might not be on the original timetable. There’s also a league-wide concern about whether Mahomes will be ready to play by Week 1.

Head Coach Andy Reid spoke about Mahomes’s recovery, stating, “He’s been in the building every day, so I’ve had a chance to kind of see him progress through this thing. He’s doing great.” Reid added that it’s hard to say if Mahomes is ahead of schedule, noting, “every player is different.” However, Reid expressed confidence, saying, “I would never bet against him. He’s always going to put in the time and effort, so and always push it, but within reason, so he doesn’t take steps back.” So far, all signs are positive.

Jeff Darlington highlighted that while Mahomes is still considered the greatest by many, his absence has led to less talk about him. The preseason plan for Mahomes remains flexible, with the Chiefs hesitant to put a firm timeline on his return. Darlington noted that Mahomes doesn’t really believe in playing “within reason” and aims to be on the field for Week 1, but he must listen to doctors and limit expectations. He is working hard, and the Chiefs’ early offseason has allowed him to rehabilitate his knee while also resting his entire body, which is a good sign.

Brett Veach, the Chiefs’ General Manager, mentioned on “The Shreger Hour” that 90% of Mahomes’s rehab is happening at the team facility. This dedicated approach is unusual, as Mahomes is taking a trainer from the Chiefs back home with him to Dallas when he’s not at the facility. This ensures he has consistent, expert training every day, both under the team’s supervision and when he’s away. This level of direct communication and dedicated support seems to be a rare and effective rehab strategy.

Mahomes has also been actively involved in discussions with Andy Reid and Brett Veach regarding the offseason plans. This involvement shows his commitment and influence on the team’s direction. The team’s decisions, like addressing the wide receiver position, are made with his input.

Cam Akers Set for Big Year Under Brian Daboll with Titans

Turning to the Tennessee Titans, last year’s top pick, Cam Akers (transcript mistakenly refers to Cam Ward, but context implies Akers as last year’s top QB pick), finished the 2023 season on a strong note. He showed flashes of his potential, recording the highest touchdown-to-interception ratio among quarterbacks over the final 10 weeks of the season. Now, he will work with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, known for his success with young quarterbacks like Josh Allen.

New Titans head coach Robert Saleh discussed Akers’s offseason work. He emphasized focusing on the mechanical aspects of Akers’s game, particularly his feet, rather than his throwing mechanics. “The mechanical stuff for us is always going to come with his feet,” Saleh explained. “You know, that’s the one thing you as a coach, you’re really not going to mess with his arm angles, his the way he releases the ball. The way he throws the ball is the way he throws the ball. From a coaching staff standpoint, it’s going to tie it’s going to be about tying everything with his feet.”

Jeff Darlington added that a “fiery” relationship is expected between Akers and Daboll, with some “bickering” likely. However, Saleh also praised Akers’s mental approach, noting that he is in the building every day and knows everyone’s name, from trainers to chefs. “He just cannot fathom a world where Cam Akers fails. He just believes in him,” Darlington said, highlighting Saleh’s strong faith in his young quarterback.

The dynamic between the competitive Akers and Daboll is anticipated to be exciting, with both unafraid to voice their opinions. The Titans hold the fourth overall pick in the upcoming draft, and speculation surrounds their potential selection. While many mock drafts suggest they might take a player like Jeremiah Love, Saleh’s history with the 49ers and Jets shows a tendency to build strong defensive lines.

Given their offseason moves, like acquiring John Franklin-Myers and trading for Germaine Johnson, and the presence of top defensive end prospects like Bailey and Reese, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Titans add another explosive pass rusher at number four, even if others are focused on offensive talent. Coach Saleh’s preference for defensive linemen is a key factor to consider.

Bills Aim to Bolster Offense for Josh Allen

The Buffalo Bills saw limited production from their wide receivers last season, averaging the fewest air yards per target in the NFL. Despite this, their running backs and tight ends gained more yards per reception than any other team. Josh Allen remains a dual-threat quarterback, but new head coach Joe Brady is mindful of protecting him.

Brady stated, “There’s going to come a time in his career where he’s going to have to, you know, his legs aren’t going to be able to do what he can do and he’s going to have to become a true pocket passer. We’re not there yet, right? But so I have to be mindful of that when I’m calling plays.” He acknowledged that Allen’s scrambles must be factored into play-calling, especially considering the game situation and season progress.

Peter discussed the Bills’ situation, calling it a “turning point” after moving on from Sean McDermott and promoting Joe Brady. He believes the team needs to do more to help Josh Allen. The acquisition of veteran receiver DJ Moore is seen as a significant move, especially since other free-agent receivers commanded very high prices. Moore is expected to play a substantial role immediately, providing Allen with a reliable target he lacked last year.

The Bills also struggled defensively, ranking 31st in the league against the run last season, indicating they have needs beyond just wide receiver. Peter advised caution against assuming the Bills will simply pick the best available receiver at 26th overall. They are not expected to draft a receiver in the first round, especially after trading a second-round pick for DJ Moore, a move that mirrors their successful trade for Stefon Diggs years ago.

While the Bills might look to add another receiver later in the draft, which is deep at the position, their immediate focus is addressing multiple needs. They are not in a position to simply draft a receiver in the first round without considering other significant holes on the roster.

NFL Rule Changes and Referees in Focus

The NFL owners meetings brought about notable rule changes, particularly concerning officials. The league approved a one-year proposal to allow corrections to calls from the replay assist center in New York City. This measure is partly in response to the dispute with the NFL Referees Association and could be used if replacement officials are needed due to a failure to reach a new collective bargaining agreement.

Another significant rule change allows for disqualifications even if a flag was not thrown on a play. This could address situations like the one involving DK Metcalf last year, where his actions might have warranted ejection but weren’t penalized at the moment. This change gives officials more power to maintain game integrity.

There’s a growing concern that the NFL might need to use replacement officials if negotiations with the current referees do not improve. While there is still time for a resolution, the current situation is described as “not good.”

Source: Will Patrick Mahomes be ready for Week 1⁉️ + EXPECTATIONS for Cam Ward under Brian Daboll | NFL Live (YouTube)