Special teams coach names the moment Kansas City Chiefs season came together

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Andy Reid’s been through the highs and lows of NFL coaching, and his calming presence may be why they’re back in the Super Bowl against all odds.

Coming into the post-season, few were giving the reigning Super Bowl champions much of a chance to repeat.

Heading into their final regular season encounter with the Los Angeles Chargers, the Kansas City Chiefs had a 4 per cent chance of reaching the Super Bowl, according to Arrowhead Pride.

Oddsmakers like Bet MGM, the New York Post and ESPN are leaning towards the 49ers in the Super Bowl this season, with the Sporting News and Bleacher Report picking the Chiefs.

Despite a below-average regular season offensively, it seems the Chiefs’ meaningless game against the Chargers is the spark they needed going into the playoffs.

When did the Chiefs finally come together?

With the Chiefs losing three of their five games heading into their final regular season affair, few took much stock in their 13-12 victory over the Chargers.

However, according to special teams coach Dave Toub, that game changed everything.

Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Isiah Pacheco, Rashee Rice and L’Jarius Sneed rested for that game, and Toub says the starters took a lot from how hard the reserves played.

“I think it made everybody come together as a football team — because coming up to that point, we were winning a game, losing a game, winning a game, losing a game.

“That was the first time we won a game [and then] won a game, you know — and then we got on a streak right there.”

For those who believe that resting players in meaningless games is a bad idea, look at what numerous Chiefs have done in the playoffs.

In the post-season, Mahomes has yet to throw an interception, posting a 100.7 passer rating, throwing for 718 yards and four touchdowns.

Pacheco leads the playoffs in rushing (254), Kelce is second in receiving yards while leading in TD catches (three), and Rice is fourth in post-season receiving yards (223).

Nick Bolton and George Karlaftis also sat out versus the Chargers, and are each putting together fine post-seasons.

Bolton is first in tackles (27), while Karlaftis is second in playoff sacks (2.5).

Andy Reid’s experience vital for the Chiefs youngsters

Being an NFL head coach since 1999, Andy Reid should know how to handle most situations.

His experience is proving to be extremely valuable.

“He’s very even-keel; [he] stays the same. Obviously, on a plane [after a win], he’s a little bit more happy — you know what I mean? But yeah — he’s the same. He’s consistent; the guys know what to expect,” according to Toub.

Reid’s ability to stay the same or close to it through the good and the bad has trickled down to these players, many of whom, outside of Mahomes, Chris Jones and Kelce, are relatively inexperienced.

As Chiefs’ head coach, Reid is 143-58, with no coach boasting a better record from 2013 until now.

For the second time in five seasons, Reid’s Chiefs have a chance to win consecutive Super Bowls.

The 2004 New England Patriots were the last team to successfully retain the Lombardi Trophy.