KANSAS CITY, Mo. — "Chief Concerns" is a catchy way to phrase, but it's a real thing in the NFL – even for the Super Bowl champs.
The Chiefs coordinators met with the media Monday ahead of Thursday's NFL Opener: Texans vs Chiefs. All of the coaches admittied they were a little more nervous for this opener than others with the limited reps teams have had in the off season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Steve Spagnuolo's concern was a big one, tackling.
"No question my number one concern," the defensive coordinator said. "I don't know if this will help or not, but every day we watch tape of tackling."
On the offensive side of the ball, Eric Bieniemy still has Patrick Mahomes and one of the NFL's best offenses, but he'll also be starting rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire at running back.
"I know the hardest thing will probably be that first drive," the offensive coordinator said. "Because his emotions are high, he's going to be hyperventilating, and he's just going to be so excited about being out there. But once he gets tackled the first time, it's all football."
Meanwhile, Dave Toub has both offensive and defensive guys playing on his special teams, many of whom have yet to play a down in the NFL.
"I'm very nervous. I'm nervous every game," Toub said. "That's life as a special teams coordinator. This game is a little bit different. We've got guys playing in this game that have never played a game in the NFL."
