Ice_Ice_Brady
the executioner’s face is always well hidden
Troy Aikman pace
Patty Mahomes GOAT
- Thread starter PM15
- Start date
Brady went to 9 AFC Championship Games in a row and never missed the playoffs
Problems had been building within the Kansas City Chiefs long before the losses started to accumulate. At first, everything stayed quiet. But once the season fell apart and the playoffs slipped away, the frustration came to the surface. By then, even Travis Kelce tried to step in and calm things down.
The Chiefs finished the 2025 season with a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs. That result forced head coach Andy Reid to make changes. This week, the team fired wide receivers coach Connor Embree after seven years with the organization, including three seasons as the receivers coach.
According to reports, the problems went beyond dropped passes. ESPN reporter Nate Taylor said players lost trust in Embree. That loss of confidence prompted veteran leaders like Kelce to assume more responsibility in order to keep the offense functioning.
Kelce Steps In As Coaching Trust Breaks Down
Taylor shared the details during an appearance on 96.5 The Fan. He said the frustration lasted two full seasons. He pointed to young receivers who felt stuck and unheard.
“I know the receivers themselves were frustrated with their own position coach,” Taylor said. “Xavier Worthy, you can look at it, and it’s factual. Xavier Worthy, as a receiver in his rookie season, got better the absolute moment DeAndre Hopkins arrived.”
Worthy’s growth lined up with Hopkins joining the team in October 2024. Kansas City traded a draft pick to the Titans for Hopkins. Hopkins later left in free agency and signed with the Ravens. During his short stay, he became an on-field teacher.
Kelce also filled that role. Taylor said Kelce and Hopkins helped Rashee Rice and Worthy with route work and preparation. “I could argue that DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Kelce have been more impactful to the development of Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy than Connor Embree,” Taylor said. “That’s a problem.”
Taylor repeated those claims on KC Sports Network. He emphasized that frustration often arises when teams lose. He also said Embree had time to fix things. “Connor Embree had multiple years,” Taylor said.“It was unfortunate but that was the reality of the situation.”
Kelce still played well, even with all the stuff going around him. He had another solid season and tried to lead by example. But he could not fix everything on his own. Drops hurt the offense all year and kept showing up in big moments.
More changes may be coming. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy could leave if he lands a head coaching job. The team also faces uncertainty with Rashee Rice, who is still under investigation by the NFL.
He should be careful. When it comes to that injury, it's more important to come back healthy than it is to come back quickly. And having the NFCW on the schedule will make health even more important.
PM15
and the home of the....Chieeeeeefs
Let me cope. I know it might take us a year or two to be back in elite contention. The AFC got stronger as well
I wasn't trying to dog your guy or your team, actually. I was just saying that, as a running QB, and one who's going to be playing some strong pass rushing teams, he shouldn't rush back out onto the field.
Mazz22
From Chapel Hill to Title Town
I like you. LOL
I am interested to see if what happened in the AFC this year is a one off or a changing of the guard. I obviously believe the Pats are here to stay given the leap Maye took this year. Not sure about the Broncos but Payton has them solid and believing. I don't think the Ravens stay at the top especially after losing Harbaugh and Lamar's age/injuries. Steelers are in reset mode to find a QB in the draft. Burrow could retire or force his way out of Cincy. I think the Jags are legit and Houston if CJ can continue to improve.
Ice_Ice_Brady
the executioner’s face is always well hidden
Queefs fans have been really yappy on X
"We wouldve smoked this AFC!!!"
"Mahomes wouldve won the conference with 1 leg!!!!"
Ice_Ice_Brady
the executioner’s face is always well hidden
What a weird thing to say. I recall that he played this conference and did not smoke it in anyway.
"He would have won all the games if only he'd won more of the games!" is sometimes an interesting claim. But, in this case, the Chiefs lost 8 of their last 9, and lost 5 of their last 6 with Mahomes playing. The only thing the Chiefs were going to smoke is pole.
I'm not saying that they can't win next year. But I will say that they need to overhaul that roster if they're going to compete, never mind win. Tyreek's going to become available in this offseason. Maybe they'll start there.
Tyreek may be cooked after that injury
This is where their problem starts:
Kansas City Chiefs
So they've got some work to do, even before they start trying to improve by addition.
Donkeys getting of that Russ contract too they'll get better
Chargers get their stud tackles back
Raiduuuuurs can't be worse than last year
fhey got a tough outlook
PM15
and the home of the....Chieeeeeefs
The Broncos have a coaching and QB issue brewing and they're not on the same page. The Chargers are the biggest what if team outside of Buffalo. The Raiders are the Raiders. MaGOAT will take back his crown
