KC Chiefs OC Matt Nagy on Possible Increased Role for Mecole Hardman

With Hardman coming off his best game of the season, Nagy discussed whether the team could try to get him on the field more in the playoffs.

As the Kansas City Chiefs enter the postseason, it's time for their best versions of rotations and personnel groups on both sides of the ball. On offense, the choices head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy make at wide receiver will be monitored closely.

Following a solid performance in Week 18, many are clamoring for Mecole Hardman to see an increased workload. 

Hardman was on the field for every single offensive rep against the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday, making the most of his opportunities. On 11 targets, the former second-round pick hauled in six passes for 77 yards — both season-high marks by quite a bit. Hardman was Kansas City's leading pass-catcher in the regular season finale, getting back in the swing of things and flashing some of the upside he can offer on offense. 

Speaking to the media this week, Nagy hinted at the possibility of Hardman getting more put on his plate. With that said, he wouldn't firmly commit to his fifth-year wideout logging significantly more snaps. 

"Possibly a little bit," Nagy said. "I think last week was good for him to be able to get in there and play a lot, he played a lot of snaps, made some plays. He’s got veteran experience; he’s played in these types of games. He always brings that speed element and I love his attitude; he’s been really good since he’s been here. When you get through that little stretch that we hit in particular offensively and you see guys that are really grinding and staying positive and sticking together, he’s one of those guys that makes it fun in the end.”

With a Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Miami Dolphins approaching, Hardman finds himself in a weird spot. Upon coming over to Kansas City via trade back in October, the veteran wideout logged snap totals of 11, 22, 13 and 16 in his first four games. A thumb injury saw him land on injured reserve and miss five games, however, stunting his progress. After returning in Week 17 and playing only five offensive snaps, his jump up to 58 the following weekend was pretty serious.

The state of the Chiefs' receiver room is also intriguing. At the top, rookie Rashee Rice leads the way and is normally followed by Justin Watson and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. With Skyy Moore on the injured reserve list, Kadarius Toney and Justyn Ross banged up and Richie James's involvement being inconsistent, there's room for Hardman to see the field. His experience in the system, even with the occasional hiccup, could come in handy in a playoff environment. His speed and ability to threaten the field vertically while doubling as a "gadget" player are also nice to have. 

It's impossible to know exactly how much Hardman will factor into the Chiefs' Wild Card game plan. Nagy's comments inspire confidence, albeit not enough to bank on notable changes being made. The path exists for additional Hardman snaps, though. Against an injured Miami defense, finding every advantage possible will help in the pursuit of a win. Hardman and the team hope that his Week 18 can serve as a springboard for a successful postseason run.

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