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Monday training camp notebook: Matt Nagy shares notes on Patrick Mahomes, Josh Simmons

WHAT'S THE STORY?

NFL: JUN 12 Kansas City Chiefs OTA
Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

On Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator Matt Nagy held his first press conference of training camp. Throughout the media session, Nagy shared notes on several different Chiefs players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes and rookie offensive lineman Josh Simmons.

For Mahomes, it’s back to the basics

Nagy explained that part of the staff’s role this year is making sure that the harsh feelings that came with the blowout Super Bowl loss don’t bleed into the team’s work this season. Nagy said that hasn’t happened with Mahomes.

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“We’ve gone back to a lot of the foundational stuff — whether it’s mechanics, footwork, timing [or] progression — almost to like when he was a rookie again — and he embraces that,” said Nagy. “He wants that. So it’s important for us to stick to that, but then also continue to never take away what he does so great, and I think you see it out here and what he’s doing in camp so far. It’s been really good.”

Nagy sees Josh Simmons as a rare talent

Simmons seems to be settling in more and more every day of training camp, and Monday’s practice was highlighted by his manhandling of fellow rookie Ashton Gillotte during a one-on-one rep.

Nagy described Simmons’ pure athleticism as “rare.”

“It’s special,” said Nagy of Simmons. “I like his ‘mental’ right now — where he’s at mentally. We all see what goes on out here in practice, but then we take it to walkthroughs inside. He’s so laser-focused and understanding from (offensive line) coach [Andy] Heck on maybe there’s a mistake or a mental [error] where his assignment [isn’t in] the right spot, so we repeat it and go through it. He cannot have enough of those. Physically, he’s super talented. It’s the mental side and it’s the communication part with the left guard and the rest of the O-line, but I really like where he’s at. He’s a true pro right now, and this is just the beginning.”

Simmons has not missed a play at starting left tackle since camp commenced a week ago.

Worthy has now entered ‘202’ in Nagy’s eyes

On Sunday, Worthy spoke about his growth and comfort now that he is a second-year player, explaining that the game slowed down for him toward the end of last season. Nagy agreed with Worthy’s self-evaluation.

“When he showed up in OTAs this year, he would come over to me a lot and just kind of talk through what he’s seeing on the second level with defense, not what we’re doing,” began Nagy. “You know what I mean?

“If we break the huddle, these guys right now, like [Jalen] Royals right now, he’s trying to think, where do I line up? He’s not seeing the defense right now. That’s OK. That’s normal. Xavier was there. Rashee [Rice] was there before. Now they’re level 101, 202, 303. Xavier’s 202 right now in my opinion, and so he’s seeing the coverages, he’s seeing leverages.”

Nagy believes the final step for Worthy will be getting the timing down with Mahomes, which they are working on every day in training camp.

Injury report

  • Returned to practice: N/A
  • Out of practice (due to injury): TE Jake Briningstool (out with hamstring since 7/26), CB Darius Rush (out with hamstring since 7/27)
  • Left practice early (due to injury): N/A
  • Non-football injury (NFI) list: DL BJ Thompson
  • Physically unable to perform (PUP) list: CB Kristian Fulton (out with knee since 7/22)

Post of the day

Our John Dixon compiled all of Monday’s posts here. Here is the post of the day:

Quote of the day

Mike Pennel on the mattresses in the dorms at Missouri Western State: “Now, our rookies always take care of us. We always have good beds and pillows, so some of these guys with these issues, we don’t have those in our room.”

What’s next?

Monday’s practice leads into another workout on Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. Arrowhead Time. Head coach Andy Reid will address the media following the practice as wide receivers and tight ends sign autographs.

Here’s the complete 2025 training camp schedule.

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