Why Chiefs’ Andy Reid changed KC’s practice routine this week ahead of NFL playoffs

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid says he ramped up his team’s practice Friday in preparation for next week’s NFL playoffs.

Specifically, Reid did something that rarely happens during the regular season: He had his No. 1 offense go up against his No. 1 defense.

“These are all competitive guys, but put the 1s out there against each other, they really get competitive,” Reid said Friday. “That’s kind of a fun thing to be a part of.”

During the season, the Chiefs typically have their starting offense and defense practice against backup players (also known as the scout team). This provides a better environment for each unit to focus on its game plan and plays.

Friday, then, was a change-up. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes going against defensive tackle Chris Jones, for instance, is a battle typically reserved for training camp over the summer, when the team’s top offense and defense challenge each other more often.

Reid explained the reason for the switch this week: He wants to keep players sharp for the upcoming high-stakes games.

“It’s good for the guys,” Reid said of 1s going against 1s. “It’s good to get caught up like that on the speed part of it.”

Reid has been consistent with this message in recent weeks: He believes the game’s pace increases in each round of the playoffs.

It makes sense, then, that he’s trying to get his Chiefs accustomed to that tempo ahead of his team’s playoff opener next week.

“You have to make sure your game’s at the peak,” Reid said last week, “each time you play.”

Reid also said he’ll preach the importance of urgency over the next few weeks. That message is especially needed for younger players who lack experience in these high-pressure settings.

“It is single elimination. That’s easier said than putting that in your brain and getting yourself right for every snap that you have at practice to practice hard and aggressive with,” Reid said. “You’ve just gotta make sure you really stay focused and don’t let distractions in there the best you can.”

Friday only started the preparation. The Chiefs worked in full pads, and Reid said they’d have another practice Saturday before taking Sunday off.

Meanwhile, coaches have been studying KC’s four potential opponents for next weekend: the Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos.

The lowest-remaining seed of the four will travel to face the Chiefs on either Jan. 18 or 19 in the AFC’s Divisional Round at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.