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I've been a diehard since Christmas day 1971. The only joy I've had as a chief fan prior to the Reid years were the Marty years. Yes, there was heartbreak but it was also fun watching those dominating defenses. That was something we could be proud of. I get the frustration of not having one of those high flying offenses that today's NFL is designed for. I also understand the frustration with some of Reid's play calling and time management. However, as a long-suffering fan, I am not going to piss and moan about some of the details when I am experiencing a chiefs renaissance like nothing I've ever experienced before. And I believe there are two people to thank for that, Coach Reid and John Dorsey.
Would John Dorsey be here if Andy wasn't? I don't know for sure but I think there is a pretty good chance the answer is no. There is a reason Reid was hired first. He is the lynch pin, IMO. One of his biggest assets is that he inspires loyalty amongst his coaches and players that I don't think I've ever seen at Arrowhead. That celebration scene in the locker room after the Panthers win was pure, genuine, joy. His players and coaches love him and it shows in their effort. The never-say-die attitude we are seeing every week is the manifestation of that loyalty, IMO.
Dorsey and those coaches being here are important because for the first time that I can remember we are drafting and developing talent as well as anyone in the league. Maybe better than anyone at this moment. Watching the young players display their talent in games is one of the most satisfying feelings I've had in recent years. It gives me hope that we might be watching something special in the making. Few teams have suffered more injuries to key players at key times and yet we are always competitive. 17-2 competitive over the last 19 games. That is impressive no matter how you slice it.
Complimentary football is not always exciting but it can be effective. Reid's success cannot be denied. In many ways, I see it as biding time until more weapons emerge. I think he is always playing the hand he has while staying true to his core belief that ball control and limiting mistakes wins football games. It's easy to get frustrated at some of his shortcomings but I try to keep things in perspective. He took over a team that was a train wreck in both personnel and culture. A team that was 2-14. They are now on the verge of a fourth straight winning season and third playoff appearance. They've won their first playoff game in forever. And Arrowhead has one of the best cultures in the NFL. My sense is that they are still ascending. A long-term foundation is being built, IMO. The future hasn't looked this good in a long time.
So while I also get frustrated with some of Reid's play calling and time management, I would never trade the outstanding job he has done in changing the culture, drafting and developing real talent, and understanding of complimentary football for a guy who might manage the clock better but couldn't come close to Reid in those areas.
I couldn't be happier that our coach is Andy Reid.
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