New wide receiver Sammy Watkins is earning rave reviews from head coach Andy Reid as he adjusts to life with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Sammy Watkins cost the Kansas City Chiefs a pretty penny this offseason. Actually, $48 million of them, to be exact.
With the huge free agent paycheck comes significant expectations from and for the Chiefs in 2018 and beyond, but so far Watkins is earning nothing but praise in every facet of the game.
Andy Reid recently spoke to reporters on Thursday about several players, and Watkins in particular earned rave reviews. Let’s take a closer look at what Reid loves about Watkins so far:
"“We’re moving him all over the place and he’s handled it. We’ve overloaded him with that. That’s how we do it with this offense.”"
What it means: This is good news on a couple levels. First of all, it proves that Watkins isn’t just a limited wideout who must be used in one or two ways or else. For anyone worried about Watkins being a one-dimensional wideout, it is clear from Reid’s comments, as well as previous praise from Brett Veach, that the Chiefs believe Watkins can be an elite offensive threat in myriad ways.
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Even more importantly is that Watkins looks like he’s going to be a real weapon from the outset. If he can handle plenty before the season even begins, if he’s already picking up the offense at a rapid rate, the Chiefs will be able to really open things up from Week 1, which only accelerates Patrick Mahomes growth curve and gives him a well-rounded target to go with Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.
"“That’s something new for him, again you can tell he’s a guy that takes it away from here and studies. When we’re doing all these different formations, you’ve got to do that. You just can’t get it all when you’re here.”"
What it means: The work ethic here is an important component. The Chiefs just paid nearly $50 million for a guy who has been largely viewed in a negative light for not living up to his draft status. It could be easy for Watkins to cash some checks and rely on his loads of natural talent. Instead, even in the early going, Watkins is keeping the focus right where Reid would want it—even when no one is around to keep him accountable.
"“You’ve got to go back and you’ve got to review and he’s done that and he’s really limited the mistakes for all that we’ve given him. He’s got a great attitude, too.”"
What it means: In such a short time, the Chiefs have already tasked Watkins with plays to learn and techniques to drill and come up with mistakes he needs to correct. Then Watkins has already rebounded by showing the coaches he’s soaking it up and adjusting already. That’s very positive.
It shows a veteran player who is still very coachable and malleable. He’s gifted and yet not willing to simply coast on that talent. He’s proving to be a strong role model in the way he has come in with a great attitude that’s willing to do whatever it takes for the team.
If Reid and Veach are right, the Chiefs will not only have Tyreek Hill as a burgeoning elite talent but another 1A of sorts, a real physical marvel at the position who is also willing to put in the mental work to turn the corner himself. As it stands, it looks as if the Chiefs have two wide receivers ready to make the leap together in an offense that could be fearsome in 2018 and beyond.