Chiefs: Are Andy Reid and Justin Houston the fix?

Nov 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks to outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks to outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chiefs Linebacker situation looks to be set up pretty well for the next few years. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs Linebacker situation looks to be set up pretty well for the next few years. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Houston Returns to Chiefs Practice

In a slight surprise, Justin Houston returned to practice Wednesday. More than “football-related activities”, practice is a significant step in the right direction. Houston’s return can give the defense back its identity of a monstrous pass-rushing unit with an opportunistic secondary. In other words, he play and possibly his presence can bring balance to the Force.

It is still unlikely he will play against the Saints. However, there was one aspect of his first day back that stood out, at least to me. Houston was participating without any protective gear on his knee. No brace. No sleeve. It was not even wrapped. That is a positive indication of how they training staff and Houston himself feel about how healthy he is. Thanks to the Star’s Dave Eulitt for the pic.

Stat of the Week

86.4%. Yep, that is what Alex Smith was able to do with time, fakes and a running game. If Reid can continue to maximize the offenses balance, Smith should be able to capitalize and be one of the NFL’s most efficient quarterbacks.