The one big problem* from the Chiefs' first week of training camp

The Chiefs’ “one big problem” isn’t really a problem. It’s also not a traditional “big problem.” But if there are problems, there might be several problems. You with me so far?

The most interesting and exciting highlights out of Chiefs training camp this week have belonged to fifth-round rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen. That’s great! It seems like Allen is building trust with Patrick Mahomes—a prerequisite to real involvement in the offense—and he’s making the most of his targets.

So, what’s the one big problem?

The Chiefs aren’t really playing football yet.

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To be clear, none of this comes from a place of pure skepticism of Allen. It appears that he has passed every test so far with flying colors, especially as a rookie. I just can’t fully celebrate those steps until he does it in full pads, against an array of Chiefs defensive backs who thrive with physicality.

So, in that way, the “problem” is just “how NFL training camp schedules work.” Not really a problem. Unless…

Here’s my intrusive thought of the day: Allen is taking advantage of his opportunity, winning his reps and making an impact while serious contact isn’t allowed. That’s a good way for a young receiver to find his footing while preparing for more serious tests.

…So, where are the rest of the pass-catchers?

Rashee Rice is limited while ramping up from his offseason knee surgery, and the early reports from camp have not been kind to the rest of the group, Allen excluded. It sounds like things have gotten a bit better each day, but it started with some alarm.

“The Chiefs had their first full-team practice of training camp Wednesday and new receivers coach Chad O'Shea is likely not going to be thrilled when he rewatches film,” Nate Taylor wrote for ESPN after Day 1.

Yes, Xavier Worthy has had highlights and lowlights through the first few days. Tyquan Thornton’s reports have been similar. But that’s the bigger problem I fear alongside all of the optimism for Allen. I hope Mahomes is looking to the rookie because he’s shown so much promise. I fear that Allen is standing out, in part, because the other pass-catchers haven’t shown enough to be excited about.

Either way, these are early-camp thought-exercises; none of it truly matters until the pads come on.

For more training camp reading, we’ve published an alarming number of stories over on Chiefs On SI since camp began!

In the second half of today’s show, Tucker D. Franklin and I spent a good long while discussing our least-favorite NFL uniforms of all time, which he and Matt Verderame also discussed earlier this week on That Football Show.

Everything Else with Joshua Brisco is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.