The Kansas City Chiefs might have dropped their preseason opener 20-12 to the Los Angeles Rams this Saturday, but you gotta believe head coach Andy Reid is seeing some serious silver lining. All eyes were on the fresh faces, and what came out of that game, especially from rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen, should have the entire league taking notes. Reid himself said they got a “good look at some of our young guys,” adding that there was “real production on both sides of the ball from the young guys.” He wasn’t kidding, particularly when it came to Allen.
This Fifth-Round Rookie Is Making Serious Noise
While rookie running back Emmett Johnson led the team in rushing, it was Cyrus Allen who really grabbed the spotlight. He only had two catches for 20 yards, but that stat sheet doesn’t tell the full story of the noise he made. This guy isn’t playing like a typical rookie. He’d already turned heads in training camp, showing real chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. But on Saturday, he proved he’s a reliable target no matter who’s under center, hooking up with backup quarterbacks like it was second nature. Reid straight up said Allen “has been doing well in camp” and “picked right up from there.” He praised Allen’s catching and route running, highlighting that “he has some quickness to him.”
The Moves That Show He’s Different
Allen’s talent isn’t just talk. There was one play, a third catch from quarterback Justin Fields, that really flashed his potential. He turned it into a chains-moving run after the catch, showing off some serious elusiveness. Yeah, the play got called back for offensive pass interference on teammate Jalen Royals, but Allen’s movement, both before and after the ball gets to him, is a clear differentiator. Reid sees it, too. He described Allen as having “a good feel, and he has good quickness,” adding that “he knows how to set routes up, which sometimes takes a while for young guys to learn, but he has a good feel for that.” And if you want to know his mindset? Allen himself said, “My biggest pet peeve is not to be open.” That’s the kind of attitude that makes you stand out.
Battle for That Fourth Receiver Spot Is ON
This fifth-round rookie looks like a seasoned veteran out there, a vibe he’s been giving off since training camp began. We’re not just talking about quick routes. He went up and secured a high pass from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, showing off his range. And in that same drive, he secured another pass, this time low and away, fighting off a defender in tight coverage. With the Chiefs’ fourth spot in the receiving corps wide open, Allen is doing absolutely everything he can to make sure it’s his. He’s battling against guys like Jalen Royals and Nikko Remigio, and he’s clearly putting the pressure on. Reid mentioned he’s looking forward to “getting him fully healthy and ready to go.” You know what that means: expect more fireworks when this guy is 100 percent.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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