New Chiefs backup Chad Henne is serious about preparing for Sundays

11-year quarterback Chad Henne is no stranger when it comes to the NFL, but with every new team comes a new beginning, and that’s exactly what Henne has here in Kansas City with the Chiefs this season— a new beginning as backup quarterback behind the rising star that is Patrick Mahomes.

Henne, like most of us, sang Mohomes’ praises in more ways than one at Monday’s training camp press conference.

“I think every quarterback room I’ve been a part of has been great,” Henne said. “Patrick Mahomes is a great, young quarterback with a bright mind. I just like to be around guys that like to work and come into work and not screw around all the time. You’re there to work, have fun with it but really just study the game to help you prepare to play well on Sundays.”

And while he considers Mahomes a smart, focused young quarterback, Henne also revealed he believes Mahomes has one of the strongest arms he’s come across in the league.

“Pat’s probably one of the stronger arms I’ve been around,” Henne said. “He can make every throw, that’s for sure. I came out with Joe Flacco and I felt Joe had a strong arm. I was around Ryan Mallet for a little bit at Michigan when he was a Freshman. Those big guys that can really hose it in there. For Pat’s size, I haven’t seen anything like it. It’s a lot of fun to be around, but at the same time, it’s take what they give you, not always pumping that thing. It’s obviously a threat to have but make smart decisions with it as well.”

In addition to working with Mahomes, Henne said coach Reid’s offensive strategy is something he’s just as excited about. In his 11 year career, Henne said he’s played in about six or seven offensive systems.

In Kansas City, he gets to work with one of those systems’ originators.

“I think the straight West Coast offense—which [Reid’s] one of the inventors of—it’s a lot a fun,” said Henne. “I was doing it in Jacksonville with Nathaniel Hackett a little bit, so the terminology is very similar. It’s a lot of fun to be in, he has a bright mind. He is always trying to think of stuff in order to get playmakers involved.”

The Chiefs’ quarterbacks and rookies resume practice Tuesday at 8:40 a.m. Arrowhead Time.