KC Chiefs learn a few important lessons in win over Steelers

Hardman has taken the next step

For quite some time, Chiefs Kingdom has been waiting for Mecole Hardman to develop as a wide receiver into the sort of target that lives up to being a former second-round pick—as if there’s a magic threshold for him to reach in order to justify a draft standing. While the player and the team are likely so far removed from any worries about such things, Hardman’s ceiling has been a legitimate talking point for the last couple of seasons and we’ve all hoped he’d turn the corner this year to step up in Sammy Watkins‘ absence.

While it’s still a small stretch or sample size, the truth is that Hardman is looking more potent with the football and more consistent in his production than ever before over the last couple of weeks. On Sunday, he caught all 4 of his targets for 43 yards. He also added 70 yards on three punt returns to provide exceptional field position given his special teams play.

Remember that Hardman was coming off of a breakout game of 8 catches for 103 receiving yards (his first game over 100) against the Denver Broncos in Week 18 of the regular season.

Hardman’s speed is just another weapon for which defenses must account and that’s a near impossible task given that team’s overall arsenal.