Chiefs HC Andy Reid addressed Mecole Hardman’s goal line fumble vs. Bills

October 23, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The road to the AFC Championship game doesn’t lead through Arrowhead Stadium for the first time in six seasons. Sunday night, the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory sends them to take on the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens for the right to return to the Super Bowl and defend their title.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has led his team back to this point regardless of the miscues in the win over the Buffalo Bills. The turnover at the goal line late in the game from wide receiver Mecole Hardman stood out as it was a pivotal part of the contest. Reid shared his thoughts on the ill-timed fumble and touchback during his post-game press conference.

“Well, listen, he’s had so many big plays for us over time. And on that play, you can’t reach out,” said Reid. “He was trying, so you give him [credit for] the effort, but we know that you can’t do that down there because of that reason, and so you got to protect that football, and he’ll get better for that.”

TOUCHBACK???

WHAT DO YOU SEE? pic.twitter.com/iDrRMgG0md

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Hardman’s inability to secure the football on Sunday didn’t come back to haunt the Chiefs, as the defense was able to stall a promising Bills drive to get the ball back. Since returning from injured reserve, Hardman showed flashes of greatness during the regular season finale and is always a threat with the ball because of his speed.

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs HC Andy Reid addressed Mecole Hardman’s goal line fumble vs. Bills