Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes go into training camp with a huge problem

As the Kansas City Chiefs officially open training camp today, Monday, July 21st, a massive unresolved issue looms over their pursuit of another Super Bowl title: the offensive line.

Patrick Mahomes, coming off a career-high 47 sacks (including playoffs) last season, faces a daunting question mark at left tackle, potentially derailing the Chiefs’ high-powered offense before it even truly begins.

The offensive line has been a hot topic since their Super Bowl loss, and despite offseason moves, the critical left tackle position remains a giant unknown. Free agent acquisition Jaylon Moore and first-round draft pick Josh Simmons are currently unproven commodities, creating a precarious situation for the league’s most valuable player.

Bleacher Report highlights this crucial dilemma, stating, “The Chiefs know that protecting Patrick Mahomes has to be their highest priority. As long as he has time in the pocket, they are going to have an effective offense.”

A Thuney-shaped hole in the O-Line

The departure of Joe Thuney further complicates matters, placing immense pressure on Moore and Simmons to fill the void. “Ideally, one of their newest additions will prove they are ready to start in Week 1,” Bleacher Report adds.

“The Chiefs also have to figure out if [Kingsley] Suamataia can cut it at left guard, so the entire left side of the line is worth following in the coming weeks.”

Realistically, given his first-round pedigree, Josh Simmons is expected to eventually unseat Moore for the starting role at left tackle. Whether this happens during training camp or is a slower process throughout the season, the job “should” ultimately belong to Simmons.

The priority for Reid and Mahomes

Head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs are desperate to bounce back from their disappointing Super Bowl loss. However, that goal becomes nearly impossible if Mahomes is constantly running for his life in the pocket.

Solving this left tackle situation, and specifically having Simmons step up, needs to be the top priority as training camp kicks into high gear. The success of the entire offense, and indeed the Chiefs’ Super Bowl aspirations, hinges on finding a quick and effective solution at this critical position.