When a coach gets compared to Andy Reid, you know they’re doing something right. New Orleans Saints special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi just earned that high honor from none other than Patrick Mahomes’ former teammate. Reid’s a mastermind of play-calling, game smarts, and squeezing the best out of every player — and Rizzi’s bringing that same magic, New Orleans style.
Big words? Maybe, but with the Saints’ special teams turning heads, it might just hold up. That said, is Rizzi the next Andy Reid of the Big Easy?
Marquez Valdes-Scantling Compares Saints’ Darren Rizzi to Chiefs’ Andy Reid
It looks like there’s another Reid in town — at least if you ask Marquez Valdes-Scantling. On the Up and Adams Show, the former Kansas City Chiefs WR didn’t hold back, comparing Rizzi to the one and only Big Red himself.
Valdes-Scantling says Rizzi runs his squad like Reid does, holding everyone to the same high standard, no matter who they are.
“[Rizzi] holds everybody to the same standard… he holds people accountable,” MVS asserted. “He’s one of those coaches like how Coach Reid was… I love that about him.”
There seems to be a theme here with #Saints interim HC Darren Rizzi:
AUTHENTIC. @MVS__11 @lucaspatrick62 @heykayadams @Saints pic.twitter.com/TDRDYcR4wK
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) November 12, 2024
For a player who’s seen Reid’s championship magic firsthand (three Super Bowl wins, MVP-level Mahomes), this is serious credit. Reid is known for demanding the best from everyone, whether you’re a practice squad rookie or the franchise star — and it looks like Rizzi’s got that same fire.
Valdes-Scantling continued, saying Rizzi “has taken [the standard] and really made it a thing, because no one is getting coached any differently… everyone is getting held accountable.”
If you thought Rizzi was just another coordinator, think again. Rizzi is creating a culture in New Orleans, turning the Saints’ special-teams unit into something as consistent as Reid’s squads in Kansas City.
With MVS’ nod to Rizzi’s Reid-like standards, the Saints might be brewing up something special, and it’s not just on offense. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see Rizzi-level accountability drive New Orleans back to the playoffs.
Patrick Mahomes Calls Leo Chenal ‘John Cena’ After Game-Winning Block vs. Broncos
“We call him John Cena,” Mahomes said of Leo Chenal after the Chiefs’ linebacker made a game-saving play against the Broncos.
In Kansas City’s tight 16-14 victory, the massive 6’3” LB came up huge, blocking a crucial field-goal attempt by Denver’s Wil Lutz and keeping the Chiefs’ undefeated streak alive.
Chenal’s play wasn’t just a one-hit wonder, either. He tallied four tackles on the day, showcasing his power and grit on defense and special teams.
Mahomes couldn’t stop singing Chenal’s praises: “He’s extremely strong… like the strength of a D-lineman, but he plays the linebacker position.”
The 29-year-old also mentioned that Chenal’s strength and athleticism make him a standout even in the weight room, and it’s no surprise that he’s been used on offense as well (remember his key role in the Super Bowl?).
Everybody’s showin’ love for @lchenal54 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/onKoU2X1AN
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) November 11, 2024
Reid echoed Mahomes’ admiration, calling out the linebacker’s knack for clutch plays: “[The Broncos] arguably take it down for the winning kick, and then Leo steps up and does what he does every week.”
For Reid, Chenal’s heroics are almost routine, and his contribution is instrumental in keeping Kansas City’s perfect record intact.