The defense will be the story for critics tuning into the Kansas City Chiefs’ opening game of the regular season on Thursday. The absence of All-Pro Chris Jones is an ongoing hot topic for the unit and their ability to succeed without him, possibly long-term.
Kansas City will prepare for their matchup against the Detroit Lions with more than just their concerns for the status of Jones. They will have their latest Super Bowl banner unveiled at Arrowhead Stadium with a special opening night celebration ahead of the game.
Buy Chiefs TicketsChiefs safety Justin Reid isn’t thinking about the festivities as he discussed with reporters on Sunday. He’s more enticed by the idea of the team having a target on their backs after becoming champions.
“Yeah. I mean, the page is already turned on it,” Reid said. “I honestly probably won’t even see the banner go up and be focused on getting prepared for playing a football game against Detroit Lions and focusing on this season. What we did last year was great, you know, but that’s last year, and that won’t help us win a football game this year. You know, just paint a bigger target on our back. We know we’re going to get everybody’s best shot. So we’re gonna have to play our best ball and be prepared for it.”
The Chiefs have been perennial title contenders since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback. The attention from their success has led opponents to prepare differently for the Chiefs, looking to prove themselves against the league’s elite.
“You want to play against good football teams. You can’t judge yourself by just playing against bad opponents,” Reid explained. “When you get to get everybody’s best shot, there’s a level of respect and just a competitive nature when you get everybody’s best shot. You know, all cars are on the table. There’s no excuses. When you go out and play, and it’s Man on Man, battle of wills, and see who comes out on top?”
Thursday’s nationally televised game will begin the new season for the league so all eyes will be on Kansas City. The Chiefs won their regular season opener in 2020 against the Houston Texans with a reduced crowd due to COVID protocols.
