Ex-Lions QB points out glaring issue that could block Chiefs' path to AFC Championship Game
The Kansas City Chiefs narrowly avoided a loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, with linebacker Leo Chenal delivering a stunning block on a potential game-winning field goal to secure a 16-14 win and keep them as the only undefeated team in the league.
The Chiefs have won 15 straight games, dating back to last season, but only a handful have been convincing. Their +58 score differential this season is the lowest for any team in league history that started the year 9-0, highlighting how close their victories have been.
The primary reason for their lack of convincing wins has been their diminished potency on offense. They are averaging 24.3 points per game, the second-fewest since Mahomes became the starter in 2018.
Injuries to key players on offense, like running back Isiah Pacheco and wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, have contributed to the lack of offensive production. However, former Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky believes the biggest issue lies in the left tackle position.
On Monday's episode of NFL on ESPN, the analyst claimed that the erratic protection on Mahomes' blindside could be the factor that ends the Chiefs' campaign before they reach the Conference Championship Game. He said:
"If the Chiefs don't get to the AFC championship game, it'll be because of the left tackle position. It's my only concern and question mark about this team. They covered it up last year because of Andy [Reid] and Patrick Mahomes. Will they be able to do that again?"
Chiefs protection problem: Will Kansas City's O-line cost them the season?
Since Patrick Mahomes became the team's starting quarterback in 2018, the Chiefs have never allowed more than 28 sacks in a season. They gave up that many last year and in the 2021 season.
Through nine games this season, they have allowed 20, and are on pace to give up 38, the most since the 2015 season. This number would likely be even higher if not for Mahomes' ability to evade sacks and escape pressure.
The Chiefs' left tackle situation is a particular concern, with sophomore Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia both in the position. This weakness has been exploited by opponents. The Broncos sacked Mahomes four times on Sunday, almost costing them their 14-game win streak.
Kansas City has tried to mask the issue by playing up-tempo in the passing game, but that has affected their production, as they average only 9.6 yards per completion, which ranks 21st in the league. None of the 11 teams below them on the list have a winning record.
The Chiefs have masked their offensive line deficiency so far, but it remains to be seen if it comes back to haunt them in the playoffs.