Preparation for Chiefs’ game-winning overtime drive goes back to training camp

The Kansas City Chiefs come off of two of their best offensive performances of the season as they prepare to welcome the Denver Broncos to Arrowhead on Sunday. A major part of that success is outstanding play on third downs.

Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Monday night's overtime victory , the Chiefs converted two-thirds of their third-down opportunities (12 of 18), including all four touchdowns scored. Speaking before Wednesday's practice, quarterback Patrick Mahomes credited Kansas City's efficient run game for setting up advantageous situations on third down.

"First off," Mahomes identified, "having manageable third downs. We are running the ball so well and getting in these third-and-shorts, third-and-mediums — where I can throw the ball underneath, and we can still get first downs without trying to force it with these third-and-long situations. So, I think that contributes to a lot of the success."

Mahomes credited offensive coordinator Matt Nagy with plans for third downs despite coverage schemes opponents often appear to have explicitly saved for when facing Kansas City.

"I think a good planning with Nagy and all the different coaches," the quarterback explained, "and having a great third down scheme, having answers versus all the coverages the defenses play. Obviously, I feel like we get a lot of different coverages than they might play in a week before, but we've kind of seen some of them now, so we know, and they let me know if we do get some coverages that have previously worked on us — [and]where to go with the football. I'm able to get the ball out, and guys are getting first downs."

On Wednesday, head coach Andy Reid also praised Nagy for the team's recent ability to sustain long drives, such as the 10-play, 70-yard touchdown drive in overtime Monday to seal the win. Reid also singled out the performance of the offensive line and that of tight ends Travis Kelce and Noah Gray.

"Matt does a great job supplying the plays on that," Reid explained, "and the guys buy in and believe in it. You've got an offensive line that's doing a nice job protecting and a quarterback that's a real good player. Then, the receivers and Kelce and Noah have done a great job with their execution there and staying alive.

"So, if there was a breakdown here or there or they did a great job in coverage, the guys stay alive and are able to get themselves open. It starts with Matt and what he's put together for them."

Mahomes ensured Reid received fair accolades for the long drives, particularly for what the coach instilled at the team's training camp in St. Joseph to practice the situations.

"100 percent," Mahomes declared, "Coach Reid prepares us for those moments. He prepares us to be in those long drives. We do long drive drill like every day — and it sucks...but at the same time, it prepares you to be ready for those moments in the game. I think you've seen this year and in previous years, it seems like we play our best football in the fourth quarter, and it's because we've been preparing ourselves all year long to play our best football then.

"Games in the NFL are such close margins that every game seems like it goes down to that to the very end, and I feel like we're the best-prepared team in those situations."

Mahomes described a reason long drive preparation is particularly challenging.

"Coach doesn't let you sub out," he recalled. "He makes you go for 15, 18 plays, whatever it is in a row — you might have a water break in there, here and there, but it's for moments like this last game and it's proven. We've been able to play great football in fourth quarters and [at the] end of seasons over these last few years, and I believe that's a big reason why."

Despite the coach's famed (and exhausting) training camp sequence, Reid declined to show more pride in one way of getting six points over another. He suspects, however, that fans have a preference.

"I just like touchdowns," the coach boasted. "I don't grade them — as long as we can get in there. I think probably for the fans, it's the long ones — the long bombs are all good. For us — it's so hard to score in this league, you just want to get in the end zone whatever way is working for you."