Even though the Kansas City Chiefs have clinched the division title for the ninth consecutive NFL season, it’s safe to say the team has room for improvement. Protecting Patrick Mahomes might be the biggest challenge for Andy Reid and company as the playoffs draw nearer. With the postseason on the horizon, the Chiefs are looking to tighten up their offensive line and ensure their star quarterback remains safe and productive on the field.
Mahomes has taken a career-high 35 sacks this year, and there are still four weeks left in the 2024 NFL season. Just last week, the Chiefs star was sacked three times by the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense. But the two previous weeks were even tougher, with the two-time NFL MVP suffering five sacks in back-to-back games. Despite these challenges, Mahomes refuses to make a big situation out of this.
Reid’s Confidence in Mahomes
However, the Chiefs head coach doesn’t seem to be that worried about it, since he trusts in his quarterback’s ability to make things happen on the gridiron. Regardless of the problems at the offensive line, Reid is happy with Mahomes’ performance in 2024.
“He’s doing what he always does. He hasn’t really had to adapt other than making the throws,” Reid said when asked about Mahomes’ adjustment to increased sacks and pressures. This unwavering support from Reid reflects the confidence the coaching staff has in Mahomes, even as they work to address the issues on the line.
Mahomes’ Perspective on the Challenges
Mahomes echoes Reid’s thoughts on the sacks. “I mean, it’s a part of football, you just play the game,” Mahomes said after the Chiefs’ win over the Chargers on Sunday night. “We’ve played a lot of good defenses this year. That’s the one bad thing about when you win the Super Bowl; you play the best schedule, and we’ve faced a lot of good defensive ends and defensive linemen.”
Instead of solely pointing fingers at his teammates and the offensive line, Mahomes delivered Reid and the Chiefs a firm message about the sacks, explaining how he can improve. “I think for myself, it’s just finding the soft spot in the pocket. I feel like on some of the early third downs, I was kind of running into where they were looping to [and] they had a plan for me escaping the pocket,” he noted.
Looking Ahead: Mahomes’ Strategy
As Mahomes continues to work on his game, he remains optimistic about the future. “So, just trying to find that soft spot, I thought I did better at that as the game went on and then I was able to make the run at the end. Working the new guy (D.J. Humphries) in [and] trusting in those other guys. I think we’re going to be hitting the ground running as the playoffs come ahead.”
The Chiefs will take on the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, December 15, opening a stretch of three games in 11 days as the 2024 NFL regular season reaches its climax. Reid will likely want to find solutions to the offensive line struggles, but knowing that his quarterback can handle the challenges gives him some comfort.
A Season of Growth
This season has been a learning experience for Mahomes and the Chiefs. With a career-high number of sacks, it’s clear that adjustments need to be made, not just on the offensive line but also in Mahomes’ approach to the game. The ability to adapt and grow is crucial, especially as the playoffs approach.
Mahomes’ leadership and resilience shine through in these tough times. He understands that football is a team sport, and everyone must step up to ensure success. The Chiefs are known for their explosive offense, but without proper protection, even the best quarterbacks can struggle.
In the coming weeks, the focus will be on improving the offensive line and ensuring Mahomes has the time he needs to execute plays effectively. The coaching staff will be working tirelessly to devise strategies that can mitigate the pressure on their star quarterback.
As the playoffs draw closer, fans are eager to see how the Chiefs will respond to these challenges. Will they rise to the occasion and showcase their true potential? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: with Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs will always be a formidable force in the NFL.
With the right adjustments and a bit of luck, the Chiefs could very well be on their way to another deep playoff run. The excitement is palpable, and the NFL world is watching closely as Kansas City prepares for the final stretch of the regular season.
