5 phrases to keep up at the tailgate
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It's almost football season, which means sooner or later you'll end up at a tailgate or watch party where everyone's screaming about "cover two" while you're just sipping a High Noon.
Why it matters: The Chiefs aren't just a team here. They're basically a civic religion, the city's Sunday schedule and 80% of your office small talk until February. If you don't know ball, this is your cheat sheet.
ðŸ’Abbey's thought bubble: Personally, I'm here for the 0.25 seconds of Taylor Swift airtime and a plate of Hawaiian roll sliders. I'm not the person to ask what's happening on the field.
- For readers like me, we asked Kansas City Star Chiefs beat writer Pete Sweeney for five phrases you can drop so you don't look completely lost when the room erupts.
"Patrick Mahomes looks like he is calling an audible at the line."
Audible is quarterback-speak for, "Actually, let's do this instead" at the last minute. Drop this the next time he's screaming at the offensive line.
"Rashee Rice is so, so good at picking up YAC. He's a YAC machine!"
YAC = yards after catch. It's what happens when wide receiver Rice takes a short pass and runs forever.
"They need to play Trent in the nickel more."
OK, here's the deal: Nickel has nothing to do with coins. It's football code for when the defense throws an extra guy onto the field to cover passes.
- That's when Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs' star cornerback, makes his way to the middle instead of hanging out on the edge.
"Third-and-short? Andy, bring Kareem Hunt in to move the chains!"
Third-and-short = 1 or 2 yards to go on third down. "Move the chains" = achieve a first down. Toss it out and watch everyone nod while you wonder how much beer is left.
- "Andy" is Andy Reid — also known as the head coach.
"It's so great that Travis has such a soft spot for Taylor; now go find the soft spot in coverage!"
Yes, it's a cute Taylor joke. Yes, it's also a real football thing. Kelce runs to the empty space in the defense. Works every time.
Bottom line: Will you fool the guy in the Mahomes jersey who yells at the TV? Not a chance. But it'll get you through a tailgate without getting roasted.
- Just run to the bathroom if you start getting follow-up questions. Blame the queso.