"Kansas City Chiefs: The Reign of Terror Is Over"

As the final seconds ticked away Sunday afternoon in Arrowhead Stadium, all 
hope evaporated. Fans were in disbelief as quarterback Patrick Mahomes injured 
his left knee. Only to find out hours later, he'd torn his ACL versus the Los Angeles 
Chargers. Not did Kansas City lose their quarterback, they'll miss the playoffs for 
the first time since 2014. Los Angeles won the game 16-13; sweeping their 
division rival.

Chiefs Kingdom has been faithful, loyal and very vocal of their team since 
Mahomes' arrival in 2017. Online arguments with other fans about officiating hasn't 
went their way in 2025. This season was very eerie and a hangover from being 
down 40-6 versus Philadelphia in the Super Bowl. Winning one score games by a 
call here/there and "Mahomes Magic," Kansas City was wrecking terror on the 
AFC. No team could get passed them in the postseason. It felt like Kansas City's 
terror looked invincible.

If this season has shown us anything, Kansas City's dominance has been a strong 
run. Five Super Bowls appearances, winning three of them; home field advantage 
throughout their run. Nothing can be forgotten, but NFL fans are relieved Kansas 
City won't be in the playoffs. No Taylor Swift camera shots each time Travis Kelce 
makes a catch or touchdown. Mahomes scrambling for the extra yardage and 
looking for a flag.

As currently constructed, Kansas City needs to tear it down and replenish their 
depth. Starting with the offensive line, go all in to protect Mahomes as he enters 
year ten in 2026. Use draft picks to rebuild a once dominant unit and start over. 
There's going to be plenty of big boys to select from and the Chiefs need to scout 
early in the draft process. Much as fans want to see Kelce play another year, they 
need to release him. One of the best tight ends of his era, Kelce is a shell of 
himself. Getting engaged to Taylor Swift, touring with her, and already having one 
foot out the door. 

His contract is team friendly, but Kansas City needs to draft his replacement as
well. Defensive tackle Chris Jones could be a cap casualty as he enters the back
end of his prime. Still dominant but minor injuries are catching up before a freakish

accident occurs. Biggest check to write: cornerback Trent McDuffie. The market
dictates a player's overall average per year salary and that number will start at
thirty-two million in negotiations. McDuffie is home grown and couldn't reach an
extension prior to the season. Both sides were at a stalemate and played it out to
avoid any distractions.

With the reign of terror, how many more season will head coach Andy Reid be
able to withstand a gruesome season. One of the greatest offensive minds of this
era, Reid has dealt with personal issues and it's well-known. Who could potentially
replace him if he decides next season is his last? Defensive coordinator Steve
Spagnuolo is under contract and will garner interest for head coaching openings.
Nothing is promised in 2026 by any means.
With three games left in the season and no Mahomes, Kansas City is playing for
pride. A team whose better days are behind them and closing this chapter of
dominance. Three game losing streak and no playoffs in sight, what's left of this
team can put forth a collective effort. Sports have a way of reminding us the
humility which comes with greatness. Sacrifices are made, players focused on
common goals. Playing for something far greater than legacies.

Kansas City's reign of terror was impressive at the start, but as time went along
fans became fatigued with the title of "New England Patriots of the 2020s." You
can blame the sports media for pushing that narrative, while discrediting what Tom
Brady accomplished for twenty years. Mahomes has been the greatest
quarterback of the late 2010s and 2020s; but now the biggest revival of his career
begins post knee surgery.

Will he have his security blanket best friend Travis Kelce in 2026? What will this
front office do in rebuilding and evolving into a stronger force? All of these
questions and more wait in the next chapter of Mahomes' career; as he looks to
put Kansas City back in title contention. It won't be easy by any means, for now...
The reign of terror is over until further notice...