In his inaugural appearance in 2024, Kansas City Chiefs' swift wide receiver, Hollywood Brown, snatched five receptions.
During their initial aggressive drive in their 27-19 triumph, the Kansas City Chiefs encountered a pivotal 4th and 1 situation.
Subsequently, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown acquired a crossing route, gaining 12 yards. This wasn't merely his initial successful conversion of first downs against the Houston Texans, but also marked his inaugural reception since joining the Chiefs.
"It was fantastic to have Hollywood re-integrated," mentioned Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.
With the aim of revitalizing their once-potent aerial assault, the Chiefs signed Brown to a one-year, $7 million contract during the off-season, harboring high aspirations.
However, Brown incurred a sternoclavicular injury, necessitating shoulder surgery, following a catch during the opening play of the Chiefs’ first preseason game on August 10.
In his first regular-season game this year, following a period on injured reserve, Brown amassed five receptions for 45 yards.
"He performed admirably," stated Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. "We'll increasingly incorporate him as the season unfolds."
Brown's longest play transpired during the Chiefs’ opening drive of the second quarter. On that 3rd-and-7 situation, he lined up in a closely-packed formation for a 20-yard catch.
During the same drive, on a 2nd and 9, he garnered a six-yard pass.
Two plays subsequently, Mahomes executed an out-of-pocket move and barely missed connecting with Brown, who could've scored a lengthy catch. Although the play concluded with an incompletion, it was more importantly a testament to Mahomes' resilience despite injuring his ankle last weekend.
Despite being unremarkable as a rusher overall, Mahomes emerged as the Chiefs' second-leading runner, recording 33 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown run for the game’s initial score.
"Pat's a warrior," praised wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins, who still resides in Houston, accrued four receptions for 37 yards against the franchise that selected him in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
Following the Arizona Cardinals, Hopkins' next team was the Cardinals, and Hopkins and Brown collaborated there in 2022. They've now reunited in Kansas City.
Brown recorded an additional two catches in the fourth quarter. He received a three-yard catch two plays before Harrison Butker kicked a 27-yard field goal. During the Chiefs’ final drive of the game, Brown went into motion on a 2nd and 8 before receiving a pass for four yards.
He was targeted two other times in the second half.
"I missed him here and there on a couple throws," acknowledged Mahomes. "He was gaining separation, just beating man coverage."
Brown had demonstrated commendable practice since his return from injured reserve. Given that it was a shoulder injury, he was able to preserve his cardio and maintain his fitness during a large part of the recovery process.
"He's one of those athletes with exceptional endurance," Reid remarked. "But he's been focusing on his lower body throughout."
On Saturday, Reid deemed the victory the Chiefs' finest overall performance, as Kansas City elevated to a prestigious 14-1 record while maintaining an impeccable undefeated run at home during the regular season.
Reid also commended the rookie Xavier Worthy's performance. The newly minted wide receiver amassed seven receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown, as well as three rushes for 10 yards.
This achievement is partly attributable to the rookie's development, but the presence of another speedster such as Brown, who can further exhaust the defense via stretching the field, is undoubtedly an added bonus.
"It was exhilarating to have him back," Worthy declared. "It amplifies the available space tremendously."
- After his recovery from injury, Marquise "Hollywood" Brown signed with the Kansas City Chiefs during the off-season, a move that was heavily praised by head coach Andy Reid.
- During the Chiefs' 27-19 victory, Andy Reid noted Brown's impressive performance, mentioning that they would continue to integrate him into the team's aerial assault as the season progressed.
- Although Brown did not have a standout game in terms of touchdowns, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins commended his resilience, particularly noting Patrick Mahomes' out-of-pocket pass attempt that almost resulted in a lengthy catch for Brown, despite Mahomes injuring his ankle last weekend.
