Chiefs Rookie Receiver Has A Huge Hill To Climb To Contribute

Cyrus Allen of the Kansas City Chiefs was a training camp star, and many thought the receiver might be able to contribute right away. It’s always a long shot for a rookie receiver, though, and a recent piece by Jesse Newell of The Athletic revealed why. 

Start with a play against the Seattle Seahawks on Sudnay when Allen turned back to quarterback Patrick Mahomes for extra instructions. Mahomes told him to “get his eyes up” and watch the coverage, and Allen’s job is to basically help the other receivers get open. 

That’s part of the reason why Allen has struggled to get consistent playing time, according to Newell. He had a catch for 18 yards against Seattle, which was the largest gain among the secondary receivers, and fans are wondering why he’s not playing more. 

Coach Andy Reid indicated that the Chiefs are spoon feeding Allen right now, and Allen still has a lot to learn and process. Per Newell, knowing when Allen is supposed to turn his head during a route is just one small nuance the receiver has to master. 

The numbers verify this process. Allen’s workload included learning 30-40 plays with multiple installs, and the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming. He also has to understand the full picture of each play as well as the offensive concept behind it. 

This is a Chiefs thing, too, at least in part. Kansas City runs the same play call from different looks and formations to add deception, and receivers have to understand this and know exactly what to do when that happens as well. 

On top of that, there’s knowing where to line up, then correctly running the right motion. Mahomes is part of this, too, as he adds a timing element that’s often unique. That timing depends in part on the protection he calls, so that can initiate more changes depending on what he sees. 

Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy confirmed what needs to happen, and he said “volume” is the biggest issue for receivers like Allen. The Chiefs like to move their receivers around, and there’s specific language and words that tells them where they’re supposed to be. 

It comes down to steps, and Allen is coming in early every day before practice to learn all this with recievers coach Chad O’Shea. Allen’s eventual goal is to fill the role of injured receiver Tyquan Thornton, but it takes time and it’s a process, not something that happens instantly.