Kansas City Chiefs 2023 Preview – Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious during their most recent Super Bowl season, winning their third championship and second in four years. Although some expected roster changes may occur, key components like Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones remain key components. With an experienced squad consisting of promising prospects from their draft class as well as their current core components remaining, the Chiefs appear poised to defend their championship for another go around in 2023. The Chiefs are one of the top teams that are predicted to make it to the 2023 Super Bowl.
Patrick Mahomes’ Marvelous Performance and Quarterback Depth
Patrick Mahomes continues to enthrall fans with his remarkable talents and playmaking abilities on the field, mesmerizing fans with his captivating talent and playmaking abilities. Even with star wide receiver Tyreek Hill leaving before the 2022 season began, Mahomes turned in one of his finest seasons yet as a league passer, leading the league with 5250 passing yards and 41 touchdown passes for the 2022 season (despite an ankle injury impeding his playoff performance but still led the Chiefs to another championship). Reports indicate he will be fully healthy come the training camp 2023 season!
After Chad Henne left, the Chiefs added veteran Blaine Gabbert as part of their quarterback depth pool. With Patrick Mahomes and Gabbert as experienced options on their roster, and Shane Buechele as their likely third-string option along with Chris Oladokun having recently signed a reserve/future contract extension.
Running Back Depth and Emerging Stars Seventh-round selection Isiah Pacheco emerged as the Chiefs’ primary running back towards the latter part of the 2022 NFL Draft season. He displayed outstanding talent by amassing 830 rushing yards and five touchdowns as his rookie year totals; these numbers proved that Pacheco could become an influential presence in their backfield in future seasons.
Kansas City Chiefs 2023 Preview: Evaluating Key Players for the 2023 NFL Season
Jerick McKinnon was an invaluable contributor to Pacheco’s 2022 campaign, providing pass protection and receiving playmaking abilities that were unparalleled by opponents. Although McKinnon did not quite replicate those numbers this season, he remains an integral piece in Coach Reid’s offensive scheme.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs’ 2020 first-round selection, experienced injuries that limited him to only 10 games last season, yet when healthy he showed his talent by scoring six touchdowns while only being on the field for 32% of offensive snaps. Now looking ahead to the 2023 season, they look forward to successfully integrating Edwards-Helaire into their game plan.
Travis Kelce remains a dominant tight end for the Chiefs, amassing 110 receptions, 1,338 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns during 2022 – cementing his status as one of the premier tight ends in the league. Unfortunately, with JuJu Smith-Schuster departing to New England, there remains an enormous target void that needs filling as quickly as possible.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling made headlines last season when he amassed 42 catches for 687 yards and two touchdowns during his inaugural year with the Chiefs, adding 42 receptions totaling 687 yards and two scores – an outstanding showing by any receiver! Additionally, Kadarius Toney, who was selected in the 2021 first-round pick, can stretch opposing defenses as an outside receiver; James Moore provides additional depth and versatility in their receiving corps.
The Kansas City Chiefs have high hopes for rookie Rashee Rice, as his size and athleticism make him an attractive option for making an immediate impactful contribution on the perimeter and filling in for Smith-Schuster who left.
Strength in Running Back Depth
Led by Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon – with support from Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Deneric Prince – the Chiefs boast an outstanding running back depth. Pacheco rose to the forefront during the 2022 season when he led their attack amassing 830 rushing yards and five touchdowns, leading them to Super Bowl victory and cementing himself as an eventual starter in the 2023 season.
Jerick McKinnon has proven himself an invaluable presence for the Chiefs. Notably adept in pass protection and as an outstanding receiving option out of the backfield, his versatility and experience make him a valuable member of their squad.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire made an impressive return after experiencing injuries that limited him in 2016. He scored six touchdowns and will remain an integral component of Coach Reid’s backfield should he remain healthy. Undrafted free agent Deneric Prince caught Reid’s eye, making him an intriguing player to keep an eye on during training camp.
The Kansas City Chiefs boast an expansive running back depth that allows them to maintain a powerful ground game while keeping the offense firing on all cylinders. Their combination of established stars and promising rookies bodes well as they set out on their journey toward defending their title in the upcoming NFL 2023 season.
