Chiefs need to solve ‘liability’ on offense to get back to Super Bowl
The Kansas City Chiefs are facing challenges with their offensive line, particularly at the offensive guard position, which is considered a liability. Despite improvements at the tackle position during the offseason, the Chiefs did not prioritize upgrading their guard, leaving Mike Caliendo as a weak link. The guard position is crucial as it supports the running game and protects quarterback Patrick Mahomes by maintaining a clean pocket, essential for his performance. Addressing this issue is vital for the Chiefs to return to their Super Bowl-winning form. Patience is required to find the right replacement, but the urgency remains to strengthen this part of their lineup for future success.
The Kansas City Chiefs have strengthened their offensive line at the tackle position but have not addressed the need for improvement at the offensive guard position, where Mike Caliendo is seen as a liability.
Vinnie Iyer, a senior NFL writer, emphasizes that the offensive guard is a critical position for the Chiefs, impacting both their running game and the ability to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
A strong guard is essential to establish a reliable running game, something the Chiefs have struggled with recently, and to ensure Mahomes has a stable pocket to make effective throws.
Patrick Mahomes’ performance is significantly enhanced when he is well-protected, reducing hits and allowing him to step into his throws confidently.
The Chiefs' long-term success and their goal to reclaim Super Bowl glory depend on addressing the weakness at the guard position, suggesting the need for a strategic upgrade.
The team must exercise patience to find the right player to fill this gap, but it remains a priority to strengthen their offensive line for future competitiveness.
The Sporting News' Billy Heyen highlights that despite numerous strengths, the offensive line's current state, particularly at guard, poses a significant hurdle for the Chiefs' aspirations.
The Kansas City Chiefs have a lot going for them.
But they still need to get stronger on the offensive line, writes The Sporting News' senior NFL writer Vinnie Iyer.
Iyer writes that the Chiefs biggest need is at offensive guard.
Kansas City has indeed updated at tackle this offseason, but not so much at guard.
"The Chiefs, like the Texans, didn't go for a guard, focusing more on tackle in the offseason," Iyer wrote. "Mike Caliendo remains a liability."
Kansas City has to be patient to find the right guy, but there'll be somebody eventually.
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Guard is a crucial position for a couple of reasons.
For one, it helps set up the run game, of which Kansas City hasn't had a bobblehead one together.
And then, of course, it helps keep a clean pocket for superstar Patrick Mahomes.
The less he's hit, and the more he can step into his throws, the better.
Having a "liability" in Caliendo helping out the middle of the line is not a good long-term answer.
If the Chiefs want to get back to their Super Bowl-winning ways, it'll be necessary to upgrade on Caliendo, according to Iyer.
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