Chiefs open training camp focused on Super Bowl redemption following humbling loss to Philadelphia
This reflects the high expectations in Kansas City. Despite finishing 15-2, tied with the Lions for the best NFL record, and winning their ninth consecutive AFC West title, the Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia stung. The Eagles led 7-0 after the first quarter, extended their lead to 24-0 by halftime, and won 40-22, avenging their previous loss to Mahomes and Co.
'Obviously, we didn't play the way we wanted to play on a national stage, a worldwide stage,' said Mahomes, who was sacked six times and threw two interceptions. 'You want to go out there and be better.' Chiefs general manager Brett Veach spent the offseason addressing these shortcomings. He signed Jaylon Moore and drafted Josh Simmons to protect Mahomes, added Kristian Fulton to the cornerback position, brought in Jerry Tillery to improve the pass rush, and signed Elijah Mitchell to support Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt.
Veach also extended contracts for Trey Smith (four-year, $94 million deal) and George Karlaftis (four-year, $93 million extension). Cornerback Trent McDuffie may be next for a significant contract. Every season Karlaftis and McDuffie have played in the NFL has ended in the Super Bowl, resulting in two rings. However, the Super Bowl loss has overshadowed these successes. 'We wanted to finish better,' Karlaftis said. 'We just want to finish our season better.'
The work toward that goal began amid heat and humidity at Missouri Western State University. 'The Super Bowl loss kind of helps you out on some of those extra workouts that you don't want to do or some of the different stuff in order to get better for next season and kind of keeps that in your mind,' Mahomes said. 'Now we're here. We're here to start over. How can I get better for my teammates? How can I get better for the guys beside me? And then go out there and attack so that we can find a way to win that last game and not lose it.'
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