Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce want to bounce back after failing to get the Kansas City Chiefs another Super Bowl title. The NFL is not like other sports, it’s designed to not have dynasties. The Chiefs are trying to defy that, and one offensive player will be really helpful for them to achieve their mission.
However, it’s not a fancy one. While Mahomes, Kelce and all the skill players get the spotlight, it’s the tackle Josh Simmons the one who can take this offense into a whole new level.
Kelce commented on Simmons in his podcast, New Heights. “He was playing defensive end as just like a scout team defensive end,” Kelce said of what he saw of Simmons during OTAs and minicamp, “and he was just playing his gap, but he was being a pro. He was being locked in and being a pro.”
Jason Kelce, the other brother who co-hosts the podcast also weighed in. Being one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history, Jason’s opinion has to be valued. “I’ve watched a lot of these linemen coming out (of college) the last few years. This kid, I mean, he is the closest thing I’ve seen to like a Trent Williams … like that next level strength and athleticism.”
If the Chiefs O-Line is good, Mahomes can thrive
Patrick Mahomes is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and that’s because his natural talent is just insane. However, his ability to find angles, scramble and arm strength should be perks, not necessities to his game.
Last year, Mahomes was sacked 36 times. That’s the most he’s been sacked during a season in his career. The main issue was left tackle, which is where Simmons should play. Most of the sacks Mahomes suffered were on his blindside. He throws the ball 2.4 seconds after snap, which is the fourth-quickest time in the NFL. If he has protection, imagine the damage he can do.
The Chiefs O-Line suffered an overhaul
Other O-linemen left Kansas City. For example, they traded away Joe Thuney, one of the best centers in the league. They will promote Creed Humphrey to the starting role. Humphrey is talented but can he be at Thuney’s level? We’ll see.
They also brought Jaylon Moore from San Francisco. Moore has never been a regular starter in the league, so it seems he will actually be Josh Simmon’s backup at left tackle.