Scouting the Browns’ Week 1 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs - Our Q&A with Arrowhead Pride

On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns’ take on the Kansas City Chiefs. To help preview a few topics from the Chiefs’ perspective, we reached out to Tom Childs from Arrowhead Pride and exchanged five questions with him. Enjoy!

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Chris: “The Chiefs didn’t have a high draft pick this year, so tell us about which pick is expected to contribute the most for Kansas City to begin the year.”

Tom: “In all of my years of following the team, I have never seen draft hype quite like what we’ve seen about Trey Smith. Honestly, if you have been following what has been said about the guy this offseason, then you’d be forgiven for believing that the Chiefs have drafted a younger version of the hall-of-fame guard, Will Shields. Since day one, everyone around the Chiefs Kingdom has felt like Brett Veach won the draft with that lone selection - I think Chiefs fans have some bad memories about terrible offensive line play or something? Anyway... If he lives up to expectations, then a certain Mr Mahomes will be very happy.”

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Chris: “From 2020 to 2021, is there any position that you feel has been downgraded for the Chiefs?”

Tom: “Although he never stayed fit, losing Sammy Watkins will make a difference - of which I am certain. Mecole Hardman has shown flashes in his time in KC but isn’t consistent enough to be considered a real number 2 receiver, yet. It feels like the team are going to go with a wide receiver 2 by committee approach. We’ll just have to wait and see if any of the remaining guys manage to step up and solidify themselves as the next in line.”

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Chris: “How are Chiefs fans viewing the opening-season matchup against the Browns?”

Tom: “With much anticipation. The Chiefs could have been playing a D2 college team (no offense) this weekend and we would have been just as excited. There is something about losing a Super Bowl game that leaves you even hungrier for football. I am sure that Browns fans feel the same way too after the events of Henne given Sunday. When there is that feeling of unfinished business, all you want to do is right the wrongs of time gone by. This paired with a full Arrowhe.... excuse me.... GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will be all the motivation Chiefs fans and players will need when playing a very tricky opening day opponent.”

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Chris: “Andy Reid loves to innovate with Kansas City’s offense — is there anything new you’ve seen or heard about with play design or personnel usage on offense for 2021 to keep teams guessing?”

Tom: “This is the year of four tight end sets. Yes, you read that right! FOUR TIGHT ENDS. After years basically having a tight end room of Travis Kelce plus some guys, the Chiefs all of a sudden have depth at the position - so much so that Reid is now thinking up ways of getting all of them on the field at the same time. Oh, by the way - the name of this formation? T-Rex - you’ve got to love it!”

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Chris: “Tell us about one player on the Chiefs who Browns fans may not have heard of, but who could have a nice impact on this Sunday’s game.”

Tom: “Speaking of tight ends, I am going with a guy named Jody Fortson. The receiver turned tight end has been in and around the Chiefs practice squad for a couple of years now but he never made the step up to the active roster. But after an extremely impressive training camp and preseason, it was almost impossible for Andy Reid and Brett Veach to deny Fortson once again. The big-bodied receiving type tight end gives Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes yet another credible pass-catching weapon - Fortson may even take some attention away from Travis Kelce before long. Who knows?”

Thanks again to Tom for taking the time to answer my questions.