"Everyone said 15 is in decline. Now Chiefs realize it": NFL fans react to Gardner Minshew taking first-team reps as Patrick Mahomes works with second

The Kansas City Chiefs’ midweek training session created a buzz. They shuffled their quarterbacks in a way few expected. Gardner Minshew opened with the first-team offense while Patrick Mahomes worked with the reserves.

"Interesting start to Chiefs' 10-10-10 practice: Gardner Minshew worked with first team, Patrick Mahomes with second team. Wonder if a shift in strategy on Game 2 playing time ahead," reporter Pete Sweeney posted on X Tuesday afternoon.

Pete Sweeney

@pgsween

Interesting start to Chiefs’ 10-10-10 practice: Gardner Minshew worked with first team, Patrick Mahomes with second team. Wonder if a shift in strategy on Game 2 playing time ahead.

It sparked an immediate wave of theories from NFL fans accustomed to seeing Mahomes command every top-unit snap.

"QB controversy. Everyone has told me 15 is in decline. Now the Chiefs realize it," one user wrote.

ASB1216

@ASB1216

QB controversy. Everyone has told me 15 is in decline. Now the Chiefs realize it.

⭐️

@KC7lte

@pgsween Smart to get the timing down with those second unit guys cause that’s probably who we’ll have to depend on anyway

Jack Buckingham

@Jbuck9797

@pgsween Clearly as Portnoy said, Mahomes is washed. Chiefs are toast. Likely going 1-15. 🤣

Kev

@Kevin_T2593

@pgsween There’s a QB battle for the starting gig apparently 👀

Nate Richerson

@nricherson

@pgsween Competition for QB1?? 🤣

Jeff Darlington

@DarlingtoJ81777

@pgsween Offense is better suited for Minshew anyways

Gardner Minshew discusses his quarterback approach in Kansas City

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals - Source: Imagn

Gardner Minshew approaches each practice with the same mindset. In his view, each rep is an opportunity to refine mechanics, process defenses faster and apply coaching adjustments without repeating errors.

"Every day you're out here to get better," Minshew told reporters on Monday. "It's for the coaches to do the competition, for them to take stats, to figure out. It's just getting out there and getting better with every rep."

Minshew, now in his sixth NFL season, also praised Kansas City’s offense for its clarity and flexibility. Having been in systems that struggled to generate offense, like his stint in Las Vegas last year, he’s aware of the benefits that come with an established scheme and continuity at the top.