When we say, “Andy Reid is Andy Reid,” it’s not just a five-word statement. It’s an overall song about the Chiefs on his decision-making and tactic skills. The result? Three Super Bowl titles in the last five years. And as the Kansas City team is heading towards the divisional round against the Houston Texans, the head coach is well aware of the challenges they’re about to face against the Texans, especially their defense.

See, the Texans’ defense is ranked sixth in yards allowed per game (315) and 14th in points allowed (21.9). Not to mention the wild-card round when the Houston team sacked Justin Herbert four times. So, that’s the overall challenge the Chiefs are about to face, right? However, when it comes to the Texans’ linebacker, Azeez Al-Shaair, the Chiefs have no clue about his gameplay. And that’s the major concern for Andy Reid’s and Patrick Mahomes‘ O-line.

When asked what catches his eyes about the Texans’ defense, Andy Reid has a thoughtful answer. “The first thing that jumps out at you is speed. That front can run,” the head coach stated. “We didn’t have a chance to play against 0 [Azeez Al-Shaair] last year or last time we played them a couple weeks back. He’s fast also as a linebacker and he’s kind of their main play caller there. The speed of the D-line, the linebackers, just jump out at you. They’re real good— the hands of the secondary, those guys they catch the ball. You don’t see a lot of bobbles or drops. If you’re presenting it close, they can go up and snag it.”

If we’re really talking about those guys of the Texans who catch the ball, then what else is there to talk about if not the wildcard round between the Texans and the Chargers? I mean, that 32-12 triumph wasn’t the only highlight of the game. It was the Texans’ defense that intercepted the Chargers’ QB four times. Not to mention, one of the interceptions resulted in a pick-six. That’s some fearsome kinda play for the opposition.

As for their linebacker, Al-Shaair? Remember that week 13 showdown between the Texans and Jaguars? That’s one h*ck of a game that Al-Shaair will remember throughout his career. The Jaguars’ QB, Trevor Lawrence, had returned after missing out on two games and Al-Shaair welcomed him with a brutal hit on his head/neck area during the second quarter’s second-and-7 play.

Yes, you heard that right! Consequently, Al-Shaair was suspended for the following three games. And it seems, the Texans’ D-line and their linebacker are yet another concern for Andy Reid besides Mahomes, who will return to the field after a break.

Andy Reid’s QB clear stance on his injury status

Alright, the Chiefs have a 15-2 track record in this regular season. But ask the Chiefdom that one game that shook the entire fanbase and they’ll instantly recall the week 15 game against the Browns. And why wouldn’t they? I mean, the QB was out of action for mere moments due to a high-ankle strain and his injury made one of the biggest headlines of the league.

However, Mahomes returned to the field for the next two weeks before getting benched in the week 18 game. Now, Mahomes cleared his injury status ahead of the big divisional round clash on Sunday. “I’m in a good spot,” Mahomes shared on 96.5 The Fan with Carrington Harrison. “Everybody’s a little banged up at this time of year, but having the rest obviously helps, and you just kind of prepare yourself to be ready to go.”

Given the Chiefs claimed the number 1 seed in the AFC division, Andy Reid decided to bench Mahomes along with the other starters. Though the decision led to a disastrous loss of the Chiefs against the Broncos, thanks to the head coach’s decision, the QB will be returning to the gridiron after three weeks of break. And guess what? The QB is confident with Reid’s decision.

“I trust Andy Reid with my life,” he claimed on the benching debate. “Whatever he says to do, I’m gonna go out there and do it. And I think we’ve done pretty well with the rest before. So we’ll continue to try to get that trend going in the right direction.” Following his bye-week and family time after welcoming his third baby, Mahomes is returning to lead the Chiefs in his glorious purpose of three-peat.