KC Chiefs likely to go back to Andy Reid’s vintage offensive looks

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 07: Tight end Anthony Fasano #80 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates a touchdown with running back Jamaal Charles #25 during the second quarter of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 7, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 07: Tight end Anthony Fasano #80 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates a touchdown with running back Jamaal Charles #25 during the second quarter of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 7, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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TALLAHASSEE, FL – DECEMBER 12: Tight End Noah Gray #87 of the Duke Blue Devils before the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on December 12, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles defeated the Blue Devils 56 to 35. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL – DECEMBER 12: Tight End Noah Gray #87 of the Duke Blue Devils before the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on December 12, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles defeated the Blue Devils 56 to 35. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)

2. Noah Gray

It may be hard to remember because Chiefs seasons can begin to run together when you have been a lifelong fan, but Reid has loved using multiple tight end sets in the past. While this has not always proven to be an effective way of moving the football, it has had some success over the years.

The Chiefs seemed to have an affinity for Demetrius Harris when he was the second guy in line behind Kelce. Reid would draw up plays specifically for him, particularly in red zone situations. Despite the Chiefs’ love for him, he never really lived up to the training camp hype that he amassed. Although he could move well and high point the ball on occasion, he struggled with drops. Unfortunately, his problem with drops became his legacy in Kansas City. Despite the struggle the Chiefs had with Harris, they have, at other times, seen success with multiple tight end sets.

It’s a name that is often forgotten in Kansas City due to the rise of Travis Kelce, but while Kelce developed, the Chiefs also had Anthony Fasano. While Fasano was never an elite player, he was a playmaker in the newly installed West Coast offense that Andy Reid brought from Philadelphia. The Chiefs loved having both Fasano and Kelce on the field and likely would have kept that trend if not for a scary head injury that ended his run with Kansas City.

Now the Chiefs have another weapon in the form of Noah Gray. While he is not the basketball playing, stereotypical red zone tight end, he is uniquely athletic in a way that the Chiefs will use immediately. Although he will likely not be a top-notch blocking tight end the way that many in Kansas City were hoping, he has similar characteristics to top route running tight ends. With quick feet and good burst, Gray could be a great new toy for ndy Reid’s offense. It does not seem coincidental that the Chiefs moved up to grab him when they did.

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