Chiefs Are Still Having Problems Protecting Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs pulled out a 30-27 win over the surprisingly  tough Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, and Patrick Mahomes was right in the middle of the fourth-quarter points explosion to put the game away. 

So that means all is right in Chiefs Kingdom, right? 

Guess again. The Chiefs are still having problems with pass protection, and Mahomes is taking plenty of shots. He spent much of the first half being brought to the ground by the Raiders’ pass rush, and Mahomes was obviously frustrated during a sideline conversation with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy as the Chiefs struggled in the red zone during the second quarter. 

Kansas City has turned to the quick passing game to help cover up the problem, and the Chiefs are also leaning into the play-action game with running back Kenneth Walker III to try and freeze pass rushers and provide a little extra time, according to Jesse Newell of The Athletic. 

But credit for a lot of this goes to coach Andy Reid and Bieniemy, per Newell. The Chiefs are hoping starting tackle Josh Simmons heals soon from the back issue that’s plagued him, which was reported last week as a bulging disc. 

More problems have surfaced as well. The Chiefs benched left guard Kingsley Suamataia yesterday and put backup Mike Caliendo in, and the writer questioned whether this might be a long-term issue. 

That means there are now questions at three of the five offensive line positions. Rookie left tackle Kahlil Benson was strong in the Chiefs opening win against the Denver Broncos, but he’s getting exposed in the passing game despite being named AFC Rookie of the Month. 

Thankfully, those other two positions have stayed strong. Creed Humphrey remains a rock at center, and right guard Trey Smith has also played well after struggling with a hip issue back in training camp. 

The other piece of good news here is the timing of the bye week. Normally having it after just four games is considered a disadvantage, but in this case the timing could be perfect for the Chiefs. They get a chance to get Simmons back, or at least get him closer to playing, and Benson will undoubtedly be getting plenty of tutorials on what he’s been doing wrong in pass protection. 

It’s hard to imagine where the Chiefs would be without Walker as the anchor. He’s been the second weapon who keeps opponents from focusing on Mahomes, and he might be the biggest reason the Chiefs are undefeated at 4-0.