The Kansas City Chiefs are on the verge of a significant shift in their offensive line strategy, aiming to bolster protection for their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. With Mahomes facing mounting pressure this season, particularly from the left tackle position, the team is exploring options to enhance his protection.
Mahomes has been sacked a staggering 32 times this season, marking the highest total of his career. This alarming statistic not only highlights the struggles of the offensive line but also places Mahomes among the league leaders in sacks taken, tied for seventh overall. The Chiefs’ left side has been notably vulnerable, a concern that has been magnified in recent games.
During last week’s nail-biting victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, Mahomes experienced firsthand the shortcomings of his offensive line. A particularly frustrating moment occurred in the fourth quarter when left tackle Wanya Morris completely missed a block, allowing a defender to reach Mahomes for a sack. The frustration was palpable as Mahomes was seen slamming the ball in anger, a clear sign of his discontent with the protection he was receiving.
In the aftermath of that play, Morris was benched in favor of Joe Thuney, but the Chiefs are not stopping there. The team is considering further changes, especially with the potential return of offensive tackle DJ Humphries for their upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 14.
Reid’s Strategy for Improvement
Head coach Andy Reid is optimistic about Humphries’ return, stating, "We’ll work him in and see how he feels, that’s the main thing. He hadn’t played in a while, so I just want to make sure he’s in a good position." Reid acknowledged that Humphries had shown promise in practice, and the team is eager to see if he can contribute significantly to the offensive line.
Humphries was signed last month while recovering from a serious knee injury he sustained in January while playing for the Arizona Cardinals. After being released by Arizona while on injured reserve, he found a new opportunity with the Chiefs. Although he was inactive for the Week 13 game against the Raiders, his potential return could come at a critical juncture for Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Reid emphasized the importance of caution in Humphries’ return, ensuring that he is fully healthy before stepping onto the field. "I don’t think that’s probably fair to D.J. right now, just him coming off this offseason," Reid noted. The team is committed to giving Humphries the best chance to succeed, and if he is ready, he will be integrated into the lineup.
Challenges Ahead for Mahomes
As the season progresses, the pressure on Mahomes continues to mount. With five games remaining, the Chiefs must address the glaring issues on the offensive line. The current average of 2.6 sacks per game taken by Mahomes is unsustainable for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. If Humphries can help reduce this number, his contribution will be invaluable.
The Chiefs’ offensive line struggles have not only affected Mahomes’ performance but also the overall effectiveness of the offense. The inability to provide consistent protection has led to a decrease in offensive production, putting additional strain on the team’s play-calling and execution.
Reid’s approach this week will be critical. "Listen, last week was a short week, so we didn’t have a whole lot of time for the fast part of the game, practices, and so this week," he explained. Reid is hopeful that with a full week of practice, the team can make the necessary adjustments to improve their performance on the field.
As the Chiefs prepare for their next game, the focus will be on finding the right combination of players to protect Mahomes effectively. The return of Humphries could be the key to stabilizing the offensive line and allowing Mahomes to regain his rhythm.
Looking Forward
The Chiefs are at a pivotal moment in their season. With Mahomes’ health and performance directly tied to the effectiveness of the offensive line, the coaching staff must make strategic decisions that could impact their playoff aspirations. If Humphries can step in and provide the stability needed on the left side, it could transform the Chiefs’ offense.
The stakes are high as the team looks to bounce back from recent struggles. With the playoffs on the horizon, every game counts, and Mahomes will need all the protection he can get to lead his team toward another championship run.
In summary, the Chiefs are actively seeking solutions to their offensive line woes, and the potential return of DJ Humphries could be a game-changer. As they navigate the final stretch of the season, the focus remains on ensuring that Mahomes has the support he needs to thrive. The fans are undoubtedly eager to see how these changes unfold and whether they can help the Chiefs reclaim their dominance on the field.
