The Kansas City Chiefs began Phase 1 of the offseason workout program on Monday, April 17.
Speaking to media members on a conference call, Chiefs HC Andy Reid confirmed that Phase 1 would have a familiar structure. Just as they did a season ago, the entirety of this portion of the offseason workout program will be held virtually.
“It’ll be good to get the guys back on Zoom,” Reid told reporters. “We’re going to go two weeks here with Phase 1 where the players are away from the coaches. And they’ll continue on with their strength program and conditioning. A number of the guys went down to Texas to be with Pat (Mahomes) and do some work there. The reason why is very similar to last year. Over the last five years we’ve played a number of games and the offseason is short. I want to make sure we give guys enough time for recovery and we’ll bring them back for the Phase 2 part, which is again in two weeks.”
This portion of the offseason program is considered voluntary, so no players are required to participate. However, several offensive players have already met with Patrick Mahomes in Texas to hold some throwing sessions.
“Yeah, Phase 1 is good for the offense, probably moreso than the defense,” Reid said. “Defense — working with the Zoom part of it is important. Working with the strength and conditioning part of it is important. The offensive guys can get together and throw the ball around — you can’t do that on the defensive side necessarily. So they’ll get together and do that.
“The reason I do it though is really because of the time off. I just want them to freshen up. That season doesn’t seem like it was very long, but you’re playing in the Super Bowl and having the parade, all of the sudden, ‘Bam’ you’re back into Phase 1. So it gives guys a chance to get away.”
This will be the second consecutive year that players have met with Mahomes down in Texas to have almost a “passing camp” of sorts. Many of the new receivers credited that time last year as the period when their on-field chemistry with Mahomes started to take off.
“It is voluntary,” Reid said. “I think it’s the way Pat (Mahomes) handles himself. It’s the way the guys want to do it. I don’t have to say a whole lot. They’ve actually been down there for a week. They rent a couple of homes down there and they do their thing. I think it’s a real positive thing. It’s a good team-builder for the WR/TE/RB and QB positions. They’re able to kind of feel each other out, (and) talk to each other. It’s good to have some guys that have been through it, so they can talk to the newer guys and help coach them up.”
