HEAD COACH ANDY REID
OPENING STATEMENT: “Alright, really the only – there’s really no injuries to announce today. We look forward to the challenge of playing the Texans. The guys have had a good week of practice. They’re a good football team and our guys understand that. I’ve mentioned before (Texans Head Coach) DeMeco (Ryans), who actually I had an opportunity for him to play for me in Philadelphia. (He) has done a great job down there. He was a great player, and he’s transitioned that right into being a great coach. Anyways, we look forward to that challenge of playing them. Any questions?”
Q: What’s your favorite part about this time of year?
REID: “You’re of one of the few standing, first of all, so the preparation – you’ve got to really take care of business there. The error margin is tiny, and so you have to make sure that you play well, coach well and hope it works – which is great. We’re in this to challenge ourselves, (there’s) no better time than now.”
Q: What’s the type of mentality you want your team to play with on Saturday?
REID: “It’s always physical football. You want to eliminate mistakes, make sure that you stay accurate and then play hard. Then, you let the chips fall where they may.”
Q: What does it mean to you that Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott, Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh and all you guys are left in the AFC at this point?
REID: “I was fortunate to have some good guys (laughs). There are other ones too, but these guys have done a great job. My hat goes off to them, (I’m) proud of them, for sure.”
Q: How antsy do you think some of the guys are to play after the extended time off?
REID: “Listen, they look forward to it. I mean, (the) Texans, likewise. You get to this time of the year, you know, it’s an honor to be at the – playing at this time. The energy is normally sky high with guys.”
Q: Do you anticipate that Jaylen Watson and Mecole Hardman will play on Saturday?
REID: “I’m going to get with (General Manager Brett) Veach and we’ll figure all that out. Probably, (I’ll) tell you, probably more (Jaylen) Watson than Mecole (Hardman) right now, but we’ll see how it goes.”
Q: Did you see enough to make a decision on the starting left tackle for Saturday?
REID: “Yeah, I’m going to do the same thing. I’ve taken it this far. I’m going to get with the coaches and just make sure what they want and where we’re at with that, but they’ve (D.J. Humphries and Joe Thuney) both been in there. They’ve both been in there and done a nice job. It’s a good – that’s a positive thing.”
Q: How much does Patrick Mahomes influence the decision based on what he likes?
REID: “Listen, he (Patrick Mahomes) likes both guys (D.J. Humphries and Joe Thuney). He trusts those guys and that’s where he’s at, but I always keep that in mind for sure.”
Q: Is Jaylen Watson going to play on Saturday?
REID: “I’m going to see, but I’d tell you he’s (Jaylen Watson) closer probably than the Mecole (Hardman) situation.”
Q: If Jaylen Watson plays on Saturday, what have you been missing without him?
REID: “Well he’s (Jaylen Watson) worked tremendously hard to get himself to this point, first of all, and we’ll just see how that goes as far as the game reps and all that. He sure has worked hard to get himself even to this point right here.”
Q: What do you expect the atmosphere at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to be like on Saturday? What is your message to the fans?
REID: “It’s always electric and even more so during the playoffs, so we love playing here, (we) love our fans. We’ll put them up against anybody. We appreciate all the support, always. They’ve helped us get to that home record that we’ve got, and we appreciate that.”
CLOSING STATEMENT: “Alright, I’ve got one last thing doggonit. You’re retiring on me, man (Adam Teicher), doggone, but listen 32 years and this is what you get right here dude (hands Teicher a custom ball). That’s not all, but for right now, congratulations though, enjoy every minute. We also have a cheeseburger bar for all of you, but in tribute to Adam. So, I’m literally going to treat you to a cheeseburger. You’ve done a great job.”