The Kansas City Chiefs’ early season struggles on offense have been a hot topic, particularly surrounding star tight end Travis Kelce’s inconsistent performances. However, head coach Andy Reid appears to have a plan to get the offense back on track. Returning from a bye week, Reid made a strategic move by bringing back former players Kareem Hunt and JuJu Smith-Schuster, reuniting them with the team ahead of the Chiefs’ matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
When asked about the decision, Reid was candid, acknowledging that familiarity plays a significant role in getting the team’s offense back to form. “They kind of know how we operate,” Reid said during his media availability. “They know the offense, they’re comfortable with it. Kareem had obviously been away for a while, but he was able to pick everything up quickly, and he and Pat [Mahomes] are very good friends. They stayed in touch throughout the years here.”
The return of Hunt and Smith-Schuster provides a sense of comfort and continuity for the team, allowing the offense to regain its rhythm more quickly. For Kelce, who had struggled to find his usual consistency in the season’s early games, this familiarity could be a catalyst for a turnaround. Reid acknowledged the psychological benefits of having familiar teammates return, noting, “You have that part of it—the comfort part—you’re welcome back in to get things rolling, and that opens up another avenue there for him psychologically.”
In the two games since Hunt’s return, the running back has made an immediate impact, averaging 85.5 yards per game and scoring a rushing touchdown against the New Orleans Saints. His ability to quickly reintegrate into the Chiefs’ system has not only added a spark to the running game but has also opened up new opportunities for the passing attack, potentially freeing up Kelce to get more involved.
The move to bring back Hunt and Smith-Schuster signals that Reid is not content to sit back and wait for the offense to click. Instead, he is actively making changes to provide quarterback Patrick Mahomes with more reliable options, hoping to take some of the pressure off Kelce. With Mahomes and Hunt already having a strong rapport, as Reid pointed out, the dynamic duo could reignite the Chiefs’ offensive production, setting up Kelce for more favorable matchups.
The Chiefs’ decision to re-sign familiar faces like Hunt and Smith-Schuster is a testament to the importance of continuity and chemistry in an NFL offense. For Reid, it’s not just about adding talented players; it’s about bringing in players who understand the system, fit seamlessly into the team culture, and can contribute immediately without a steep learning curve.
As the Chiefs prepare to face the 49ers, all eyes will be on how the offense performs with these returning pieces. The hope is that the combination of a revitalized running game and the renewed chemistry among Mahomes, Hunt, and Smith-Schuster will create more opportunities for Kelce to get back to his dominant form. Reid’s willingness to embrace familiar players shows his commitment to keeping the Chiefs competitive, especially in an AFC loaded with talent.
With the season still young, the Chiefs have time to regain their status as one of the league’s most feared offenses. If Reid’s plan works, the reunion with Hunt and Smith-Schuster could be the spark that helps Kansas City overcome its early hurdles, setting the stage for another deep playoff run.
