The beauty behind an Andy Reid 10-10-10 practice

In St. Joseph, Missouri, the Kansas City Chiefs' head coach Andy Reid has introduced a unique practice format known as the 10-10-10 practice. This practice method is a departure from the standard padded sessions, focusing instead on mental sharpness and lower intensity. Named for its structure of 10 offensive plays, 10 defensive plays, and 10 minutes of special teams work, this format is designed to evaluate players' ability to process information and execute tasks at a quick pace.

The 10-10-10 practice serves as a mental test, particularly for rookies, as they navigate huddles and assignments. It's important to note that not every aspect of the practice is executed at full speed. Offensive plays are scripted to provide successful scenarios for the defense to scout, while defensive plays often feature a half-speed scout team. Deep passes are common, with defenders trailing receivers, and on the reverse, the offense acts as the scout team when the defense runs its plays.

Despite the lighter pace, the 10-10-10 practice still yields notable outcomes. Players such as Xavier Worthy, Cyrus Allen, L’Jarius Sneed, and Drue Tranquill did not participate. The practice provides a recovery period for the team, preparing them for their next game. Although it does not replace the physical evaluation of padded practices, the 10-10-10 format allows Reid to observe players' quick thinking and execution skills, which can be crucial for players vying for roster spots.

The Chiefs will return to their regular, full-speed practices on Friday and Saturday before taking a break on Sunday, gearing up for their first preseason game.