Chiefs' Offensive Line Struggling Where It Matters Most

The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the NFL's most productive rushing attacks, but that success has not carried over to the goal line.

Despite Kenneth Walker III's league-leading rushing production, Kansas City has been surprisingly ineffective running the ball in goal-line situations.

According to The Kansas City Star, Walker has scored touchdowns on just two of 11 carries originating inside the opponent's 5-yard line this season.

Seven of those attempts have resulted in no gain or lost yardage.

Those struggles have left Kansas City with an 18.2% touchdown rate on rushing attempts inside the 5, the second-worst mark in the NFL.

Walker has rushed for 665 yards and seven touchdowns through five games, helping Kansas City open the season 5-0.

But the Chiefs' inability to convert short-yardage opportunities was particularly evident in Sunday's 22-6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Kansas City gained 422 total yards but repeatedly failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

The Chiefs reached the Chargers' 2-yard line three times and came away with only seven points.

One possession ended when Patrick Mahomes threw an interception on third-and-goal. Another ended when Walker was stopped on fourth-and-goal from the 1.

Head coach Andy Reid acknowledged the problem after the game.

"We spent time on the short yardage, and we didn't do very good on it today," Reid said, according to Arrowhead Pride.

"So, we've got to figure that out and get that straightened out."

Reid also pointed to blocking failures when discussing the unsuccessful fourth-down run.

"We gotta be very consistent with our blocking in those areas if we're going to run the football," he said.

The problem is especially surprising given Walker's production and the Chiefs' investment in their interior offensive line.

Right guard Trey Smith and center Creed Humphrey are among the team's established blockers, while left guard Kingsley Suamataia returned to the starting lineup against Los Angeles.

However, the Chiefs have also dealt with injuries at tackle.

Right tackle Jaylon Moore entered concussion protocol against the Chargers, leaving Kansas City without another starting offensive lineman.

Left tackle Josh Simmons has also been sidelined by a back injury.

Despite those challenges, Walker has emerged as one of the NFL's most productive running backs.

His success has helped Kansas City remain undefeated, but the short-yardage failures could become more costly against tougher opponents.

With road games against Seattle and Denver approaching, the Chiefs must find a way to turn Walker's historic rushing production into more touchdowns near the goal line.