The NFL is one of the most grueling leagues in sports. It is physically demanding, where every player must put their body on the line for the greater good of the team. The average NFL career only lasts 3.3 years, so making the most of every play is vital to being a successful player.
With such massive turnover, it’s nearly impossible to build a dynasty. A game days roster squad for the NFL has 55 players. That’s an extraordinary amount of people for one squad, so keeping a team together for a prolonged period is difficult. However, holding on to key pieces and making smart moves to the supporting cast can keep a team competitive for years. The Kanas City Chiefs are on that path. Are they becoming the next NFL dynasty?
Super Bowl Appearances
Super Bowl appearances are an excellent barometer for gauging if a franchise is becoming a dynasty. Being in the mix every year to win it all puts you in a position to win it all. The Chiefs go into the Super Bowl this year to face the Philadelphia Eagles. Although they are not favored, their line is similar to the super bowl odds of the Eagles, with Philly sitting at -120 while Kanas City is at +100. However, just being in the mix gives them a shot to walk away from the season as Super Bowl champs.
This year’s appearance will be their third Super Bowl in four years, while only missing out last year from some stellar play from Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. Making regular appearances is not easy, but it doesn’t look like anything can stop them in the future. Regardless if they win it all this year or not, they’ll definitely be a force to reckon with next season and probably push for the title
Patrick Mahomes
What makes the Chiefs so great is their superstar quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. The Texan has been sensational since he stepped foot in the NFL and completely turned their franchise around. People feared that after he cleared his rookie contract that the team would not be able to afford to put winning pieces around him.
The exact opposite has been the case as their GM, Brett Veach, has been able to retool the squad and keep things fresh for Super Bowl pushes. What is very evident in their willingness to add complimentary pieces to Mahomes is the strength of their O-Line, which has been one of the best in the league this year.
If Mahomes continues his ascendancy, we could see the Chiefs become this decade’s Patriots. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick were always the dream combination and won six rings together. Andy Reid and Mahomes can become the next great QB-coach team if they capture another Super Bowl this year.
Time Will Tell
Although the Chiefs are one of the preeminent teams in the league right now, it’s essential to put things in context. Mahomes only has one ring and one MVP; if he and the Chiefs are to become a dynasty, they will have to keep winnings. Things can change very quickly; an injury or bad trade could affect the next few years.
In 2014, the Seattle Seahawks won a Super Bowl with Russell Wilson as QB in just his second season. Their all-time great defense helped power them to another Super Bowl the very next year, and people thought they were set for the next decade. They haven’t been back to the Super Bowl since and Russell Wilson plays for the Denver Broncos.
Only time will tell if the Chiefs will be great, but they are definitely on the right track.
