Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are at the center of a controversy following their recent victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The debate erupted after Chase Daniel, a former Chiefs quarterback, described the team as “peaking at the right time,” referencing Reid’s “don’t peak too soon” philosophy.
Now boasting a 15-1 record after 17 games, the Chiefs delivered a commanding 29-10 win over the Steelers. Mahomes excelled, throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns without interceptions or sacks. Other highlights included Travis Kelce’s third touchdown of the season and another solid performance from Hollywood Brown.
This Andy Reid story is the absolute best.
He always tells guys “don’t peak too soon!” And the Chiefs are peaking at the right time. pic.twitter.com/5KA7EnBHkI
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) December 27, 2024
Daniel credited Reid’s “don’t peak too soon” mantra for the team’s late-season surge. However, former Chiefs player Mitchell Schwartz strongly disagreed, arguing that Daniel misinterpreted the phrase.
“That’s a total misrepresentation,” Schwartz wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “The saying refers to conserving energy before the game, not end-of-season form.”
Daniel attempted to clarify his statement, suggesting he was referring to the 2025/26 NFL season. Schwartz, however, remained sceptical, noting that he wasn’t dismissing Daniel’s experience with Reid during his time at the Philadelphia Eagles.
As the Chiefs eye another Super Bowl run, the debate over “peaking” has added an unexpected layer of drama to their season. While Mahomes and Reid focus on maintaining momentum, fans are left discussing the deeper meaning behind Reid’s famous philosophy.