Chiefs-Texans kick off season unlike any other tonight
It has been a mere eight months since Patrick Mahomes led Kansas City from a 24-0 hole to beat Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs, a brutally efficient comeback that ultimately propelled the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title in 50 years.
The Chiefs open this season as betting favorites to defend their title, according to the Las Vegas sportsbooks.
A whole lot has changed, though. The coronavirus pandemic effectively canceled the entire NFL offseason along with all four preseason games. That means their rematch at Arrowhead Stadium tonight will be the first game for anybody since February. It also means the crowd at what is historically one of the toughest road venues in the league will be limited to about 17,000 fans.
The Texans no longer carry star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins or leading rusher Carlos Hyde on their roster. Chiefs coach Andy Reid no longer carries around the heavy and ignominious tag of best coach never to win a championship.
“You have to expect the unexpected,” Mahomes said, “and that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re going to have a game plan for everything, and I’m going to make adjustments as quickly as possible so we can get off to a fast start. Hopefully.”
MILLER SEEKING SECOND OPINION >> Von Miller was primed for a monster comeback in 2020 after packing on the muscle this spring, then absolutely destroying offensive drills every day at training camp.
It all crumbled when the Super Bowl 50 MVP suffered a serious ankle injury at an indoor practice Tuesday, almost certainly costing him a chance to atone for last season’s drop-off that helped fuel his offseason rededication.
Miller is seeking additional medical advice before undergoing surgery and is expected to miss the season.
RAMS REWARDRAMSEY>> The Los Angeles Rams made Jalen Ramsey the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
The team announced it had agreed to terms on a five-year deal with Ramsey. The Rams did not disclose other details, but the deal is worth up to $105 million with $71.2 million in guarantees, a person with knowledge of the situation said.
Ramsey will earn about $21 million per season. Darious Slay of the Philadelphia Eagles will earn $16.7 million. Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones had held the record for the largest guarantee for a cornerback when he signed a five-year, $82.5-million deal that included $54.4 million in guarantees. But Tre’Davious White of the Buffalo Bills broke that record on Sept. 5 when he signed a four-year $69-million deal that includes $55 million in guarantees.
Ramsey, 25, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is due make $13.7-million playing under a fifth-year option.
STEELERS LB SHAZIER RETIRES AT 28 >> Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier said Wednesday he is retiring from the NFL, nearly three years after suffering a spinal cord injury. An emotional Shazier posted a video to social media to make the announcement.
“When I was 5 years old, I made the greatest discovery of my life,” Shazier, who turned 28 on Sunday, said. “I discovered the game that I love — the game of football. Ever since then, I’ve given my life to the game.”
Shazier was 25 with a Pro Bowl season behind him on Dec. 4, 2017, when he attempted to make a play against the Cincinnati Bengals and ran headfirst into another player. He collapsed to the ground and was unable to move his legs.
After spinal stabilization surgery and rehab, he regained movement in his legs in February 2018.
BUCCANEERS’ EVANS NURSING HAMSTRING INJURY >> Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is nursing a hamstring injury that could jeopardize his availability to play in the season opener against the host New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said Evans is considered day-to-day. Evans missed the final three games of the 2019 season with a hamstring injury.