Chiefs News: Bryan Cook talks about how the Buccaneers will play without wideouts

One could easily come to the conclusion that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, without their injured wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, might have difficulty getting the ball against Kansas in the Week 9 “Monday Night Football” matchup at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium City Chiefs to move.

But that could be a mistake. None of them were available when Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 330 yards and three touchdowns during the Buccaneers' 41-35 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8.

This was largely due to great play from Tampa Bay tight end Cade Otton, who hauled in nine balls for 81 yards and two scores. As for Kansas City starting safety Bryan Cook, Otton is a clear target for Monday night's game.

“You just try to find out what they like to do and take that away,” he told reporters on Saturday.

But that, he added, is exactly what we should expect from Kansas City's defense.

“(We) just do what we do – and play within our plan and within our game.”

Cook reminded his listeners that the Chiefs have had similar problems this season — and Kansas City still managed to remain undefeated.

“There are a few people coming in who can still walk,” he noted. “They probably have the same 'next man up' mentality. It may be a different type of scheme you are dealing with – but broadly speaking it is the same offence.”

It's the same mentality the Chiefs need to employ. A good example is the current situation at outside cornerback, where starter Jalen Watson is out for the season with a broken ankle. His replacement, Nazeeh Johnson, is recovering from a concussion – and will miss Monday's game.

“(They) always elevate them,” Cook said. “You know, it doesn’t matter who’s there. The “next man up” mentality is always present. It’s just a matter of making sure they’re up to speed – and we’re all on the same page about (when) they might be out there with the balls flying down the field.”

It's an approach that has worked well for the Chiefs' defense, which has allowed an opposing team more than 21 points just once since the 2022 season.

Cook was also asked about a video that was making the rounds showing the team's training staff for a sprite before Kansas City's Week 5 game against the New Orleans Saints.

Cook said he was just tired.

“I was yawning or whatever,” he explained, “and I was like, 'Bro, I need caffeine.' And I thought, 'Can I get a sprite?' It kind of progressed from there – but I actually drink Sprite… It makes me feel good, I guess you could say.”

While we have no doubt that the crisp, zesty taste of a cold Sprites Cook makes you feel good, someone might want to explain that it's caffeine-free.

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If he's looking for a fizzy energy boost, he might follow the example of old NES gamers from the '80s (like myself): try tracking down a Jolt Cola that works with a shotgun before playing.