One of many questions the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs must reply in the event that they intend to repeat as Tremendous Bowl champions is methods to change the manufacturing of extensive receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who joined the New England Patriots this offseason.
In his one yr with the Chiefs, Smith-Schuster was quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ prime goal (101) after tight finish Travis Kelce (152), catching 78 passes for 933 yards and three touchdowns throughout the common season.
“JuJu did such an ideal job final yr coming in, studying the system,” mentioned Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy on Thursday following Day 6 of OTAs. “Normally, these new guys final yr — working by the timing aspect of the routes. And I feel he did such an ideal job that you possibly can see it click on with Pat actually towards the top of coaching camp after which taking it into the season.”
The receiver was a pivotal a part of Kansas Metropolis’s Tremendous Bowl LVII comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles, as Mahomes related with Smith-Schuster six instances for 48 yards within the second half. Smith-Schuster drew a holding name on cornerback James Bradberry that set the Chiefs up for his or her victory.
“He had an ideal really feel, simply form of understanding the offense,” added Nagy. “He has some good expertise, so we perceive that and need him one of the best, however on the identical level and time, we love our extensive receiver room proper now.
“The blokes are competing, and it’s at some extent proper now that’s at all times enjoyable the place there’s new guys that are available from different locations — or rookies — for them to study who Pat is and the opposite quarterbacks and work by that cohesion.
“JuJu [was] an ideal participant, however we bought a number of nice guys right here we like, too.”
The one member of the Chiefs’ room who has seen essentially the most nationwide hype this offseason is extensive receiver Kadarius Toney, who the workforce likes as a possible No. 1 receiver to exchange Smith-Schuster. Following a midseason commerce from the New York Giants, Toney fought off accidents to seem in seven regular-season video games for the Chiefs in 2022, ending with 14 catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns.
Like Smith-Schuster, Toney performed a vital position in Kansas Metropolis’s championship win, scoring the fourth-quarter, 5-yard go-ahead landing earlier than operating a punt again 65 yards to convey the Chiefs to the doorstep of the top zone. Had he scored a landing on the punt return, Toney may need been named Tremendous Bowl MVP.
“All of us see what he can do when the soccer’s in his palms,” defined Nagy of Toney, who didn’t take part within the Thursday exercise. “Identical kind of deal (as Smith-Schuster). He comes over midway by the season — it’s a complete new offense. He’s bought to study the ins and outs, and so you might have that time. He was ready to do this, and it’s thrilling now for us to have the ability to take that to 12 months 2 and construct that relationship with Pat.
“He’s tremendous proficient with the soccer in his palms, and he’s been that method his complete life in his soccer profession.”
