“We’re not there yet” – Eric Bieniemy admits concerns persist over Patrick Mahomes-driven offense after Chiefs’ Week 17 scare vs Broncos
The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for the playoffs, but will face their division-foe, the Las Vegas Raiders, this Saturday afternoon to conclude the regular season.
Last week, they defeated another division arch-rival, the Denver Broncos, but had their fair share of struggles.
Jerry Rosburg’s squad put up a good fight, but the Broncos ultimately lost to the Chiefs 27-24 on Sunday. broncoswire.usatoday.com/2023/01/01/bro…
While Mahomes threw three touchdowns, he threw an interception and the team only rushed for 46 yards. They also lost the ball due to a fumble.
Heading into the playoffs, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is looking for the offense to clean up some mistakes.
Bieniemy said:
"You know what? I’m still looking for us – because obviously we’re striving for perfection in order to achieve excellence - (but) we’re not there yet," reckoned Bieniemy.
"But I will say this, there were somepositivese that came out of that game, and I know it’s hard to pick from but I thought our guys hit a lull in that game but you know what I appreciated that we did? We did an outstanding job of staying together and then we just played through it, and it didn’t impact us," he added.
Bieniemy further claimed:
"We didn’t allow to mentally get us down. That was the thing that stood out to me and that was growth. Those are the things that you’re looking for.
"Obviously, numbers wise, you always want to play up to your best. I like the way that guys hung together, I like the way they weathered the storm and I thought we did a great job, and I’m going to say this, of dragging our (butts) across the finish line when we needed to do so," Bieniemy concluded.
Could Eric Bieniemy become a head coach next off-season and depart from Chiefs?
While Bieniemy and the Chiefs are focused on Week 18 and the Raiders, and then the playoffs, Bieniemy will be a name to watch out for in the off-season.
I'm told some initial names being discussed for the #Broncos head coach vacancy, per league source, include:
Dan Quinn
Darrell Bevell
Eric Bienemy
Sean Payton
Demeco Ryans
Shane Steichen
Bieniemy is expected to be a top head-coaching candidate next off-season and next year could be the year he finally becomes head coach.
He's been second in command to Andy Reid for several years as the Chiefs' offensive coordinator.
Bieniemy has had a number of interviews in the last few years for vacant head-coaching jobs but for some reason, hasn't landed a gig yet. This could be the off-season when he departs from Kansas City with a bigger opportunity.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Eric Bieniemy and H/T Sportskeeda