The Kansas City Chiefs may have clinched their 11th win of the 2024 NFL season, but their narrow 19-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders exposed a glaring weakness: left tackle protection.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes endured relentless pressure throughout the game, forcing head coach Andy Reid to make a significant adjustment late in the contest.
Reid benched Wanya Morris, moving Joe Thuney to left tackle and inserting Mike Caliendo at left guard. While the changes helped stabilize the line for the final two drives, Mahomes’ comments post-game revealed a deeper concern. Speaking candidly, the two-time MVP admitted that while he trusts his teammates, there were moments he hesitated to make certain plays due to protection issues.
“Whoever’s out there, I trust those guys to go out there and make it happen,” Mahomes stated. “But I think there were times I didn’t trust it there on that last drive. If I can trust it and maybe make some of those throws, we’re not in the situation we were in at the end of the game.” His remarks underscore the importance of confidence in his offensive line, especially as he navigates high-stakes moments.
Reid, never one to place public blame on his players, acknowledged the struggles in his post-game press conference. “Wanya was struggling a little bit,” Reid explained. “We moved Joe over there, Caliendo in at guard. It was the right thing to do at that time. Pat took a few hits, and we were struggling at times.”
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The protection issues Mahomes faced weren’t new. The Chiefs’ left tackle position has been a revolving door this season. Rookie Kingsley Suamataia started the season but lost his spot after a dismal performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. Morris stepped in from Week 3, but his inconsistency has raised questions about his long-term viability in the role.
Reid emphasized the critical nature of solid blindside protection. “It’s disruptive to any offense if the quarterback’s getting hit and not able to get the ball off,” he said. “You’ve got to do better than what we did there.” The coach’s frustration was evident, signaling that changes may be imminent if the issues persist.
For Mahomes, who thrives on extending plays and finding receivers downfield, reliable protection is essential. The lack of trust in his left tackle limits his ability to take risks and execute Reid’s complex offensive schemes. It’s a challenge the Chiefs must address if they hope to make another deep playoff run.
The question now is whether Reid will stick with Morris or explore other options. While Thuney proved capable in an emergency role, shifting him permanently would weaken the interior line. The upcoming week of practice and preparation will be crucial as the Chiefs weigh their options.
Despite the challenges, Mahomes continues to perform at an elite level. His ability to adapt and overcome adversity has been a hallmark of his career. However, even the most talented quarterbacks need support, and the Chiefs’ offensive line must step up to meet the moment.
Reid’s trust in offensive line coach Andy Heck and the rest of his staff will play a pivotal role in finding solutions. Whether through personnel changes or adjustments in blocking schemes, the Chiefs need to protect their franchise quarterback better.
As the Chiefs prepare for their next matchup, all eyes will be on the offensive line. Mahomes’ comments have shone a spotlight on the issue, and Reid’s willingness to make tough decisions could be the key to solving it. The stakes are high, but if anyone can navigate these challenges, it’s Reid and Mahomes—one of the league’s most dynamic coach-quarterback duos.
The road to another championship will be paved with tough choices. For the Chiefs, ensuring Mahomes’ protection is not just a priority—it’s a necessity. The coming weeks will reveal whether this team can rise to the occasion and solidify its place among the NFL’s elite once again.
