The Kansas City Chiefs are staring at a 1-2 record, which has never happened during the Patrick Mahomes era.
Their offense remains one of the NFL’s best, averaging 30.7 points per game.
They also rank fifth in passing yards per game with 306.
Mahomes also has nine touchdowns passes which are second-best in the league.
But even great offenses need help to maintain their winning ways.
All about how we bounce back. pic.twitter.com/6s8PllmdCu
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 27, 2021
Defenses will always keep an eye on Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill on every snap.
Therefore, the Chiefs need another option who can take some pressure off their top receivers.
Enter Josh Gordon after being reinstated by the league for a fourth time due to substance abuse issues.
The Chiefs will sign him to their practice squad before elevating him to their 53-man active roster.
However, the team will be monitoring his progress on and off the field.
Likewise, it’s uncertain if he can return to his All-Pro form after playing just 11 games in the last three seasons.
Former All-Pro WR Josh Gordon, who is being reinstated, is planning to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, sources tell ESPN. His agents, Eric Dounn and Matt Leist from @LAASportsEnt, confirmed Gordon is headed to Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/nqpJXn3oni
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 27, 2021
Without question, this is Gordon’s last chance to play in the NFL, and he must make the most of it.
Despite their losing record, the Chiefs remain one of the Super Bowl favorites.
Gordon has a chance to make a significant impact in his return.
But here are other reasons that make Kansas City the best squad for him.
3. Relieves Pressure Off Kelce And Hill
Opponents are in trouble if Gordon regains his old form.
But even a version lesser of his Pro Bowl form can help take off so much pressure from Kelce and Hill.
It’s not that the Chiefs’ primary receivers are taking a beating.
However, their offense looks limited if the opposing team can shut down either one of them.
TRAVIS KELCE ARE YOU FOR REAL?
📺: #KCvsBAL on NBC
📱: https://t.co/SsXyNx0bwQ pic.twitter.com/LyX27ajHwF— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2021
Having Gordon in peak form will provide coverage problems for the secondary.
Mahomes gets a viable third option who gives defenders more problems.
His presence will give the Chiefs another consistent wide receiver who can make their other wideouts play more comfortable roles.
2. He Makes Defenders In Man Coverage Pay
Teams will put their best cornerbacks and linebackers on Kelce and Hill.
This scenario gives Gordon the advantage versus his defender, especially if Mahomes goes for an empty backfield.
He creates separation by running good routes, and his pass-catching is reliable.
He will consistently make his defender pay because of his size and speed.
The chances are that the opposing team will lose if they make the necessary adjustments to cover Gordon and not Hill instead.
Likewise, defensive coordinators will be careful with blitzing Mahomes because of their additional option in Gordon.
1. There’s A Bigger Prize To Play For
Aside from joining a legitimate contender, Gordon also gets a father figure in head coach Andy Reid.
The long-time Chiefs mentor might even add some plays to exploit Gordon’s advantage against defensive backs.
Meanwhile, his teammates will keep him in line because they have a solid chance to win a second Super Bowl in three seasons.
Time to get to work. 🎯 @Chiefs 🙏🏾
— Flash (@JOSH_GORDONXII) September 27, 2021
They don’t need any drama like his off-field problems in the past.
Instead, Gordon will fix his eyes on the ultimate prize.
The Chiefs hope that he knows better after multiple suspensions.
If he stays in line and signs long-term, Kansas City will remain a perennial title favorite.
NEXT: 3 Reasons Chiefs Are In Last Place Of AFC West