Sunday was another mixed bag for the Chiefs in their win over the Carolina Panthers. The offense started out hot and finished with a bit of a skid. Meanwhile, the defense looked helpless in many moments against Bryce Young. There has been one continuous question mark for Kansas City this season. Overall, that unit created more reason for concern after Sunday's performance against the Panthers.
That would be the Chiefs' offensive line. In total, Carolina sacked Patrick Mahomes five times. Many other reps displayed immediate losses from Kansas City blockers. While Mahomes was able to stay alive with his mobility, it was not enough in certain instances.
What did the offensive line further prove on Sunday with their current issues? Plus, what areas stand out more than past years, as the season enters the final stretch?
Biggest Issue On The Team?
Is the offensive line issues or the lack of comfort in the secondary, outside of Trent McDuffie, a greater worry for Kansas City right now? It seems like it is up for debate. Depending on the opponent for that week, or even who you ask, the Chiefs have some flaws that can be exploited. But for a larger sample size, the offensive line's issues have sustained themselves over the course of the season.
This is especially true on the edges of the blocking unit at offensive tackle. Offensive tackles are simply giving up too much space in little time. That was evident in a few different reps against the Panthers. For instance, Wanya Morris gave up one sack to D.J. Wonnum where Morris hardly touched Wonnum, if at all. Mainly being off balance and being late to throwing blocks have a hurdle for Morris.
On the other side, Jawaan Taylor appeared to struggle with strength and power against Carolina. Jadeveon Clowney forced some penalties and was able to push Taylor back. In other moments on Sunday, parts of the Chiefs' offensive line were completely out of sync. It threw the timing and tempo off for the offensive rhythm that had been created on the first drive of the game.
How Mahomes Has Been Affected
Mahomes struggled in Buffalo. But by most accounts, he was able to bounce back against the Panthers. The Chiefs likely do not win that game on Sunday if another quarterback was in the fold. His ability to ad lib, create something out of nothing and elevate others sparked Kansas City to some impressive gains. The signal caller simply kept the Chiefs' heads above water.
But obviously, the offensive line's struggles have resulted in some differences this season for the quarterback. He has not been able to escape pressure at the same rate as we have been accustomed to in the past. Many pass rushers have been able to chase him down, due to the quickness at which they get into the offensive backfield. In addition, Mahomes has had less time on three or four step dropbacks in too many games this year. And in the end, the quarterback is taking more hits.
Numbers Paint Messy Picture With Playoffs Nearing
Speaking of taking more hits, Mahomes has already been sacked 27 times this season. That ties last year's total for sacks taken in the regular season. 28 sacks is the most that Mahomes has been hit with in his career (2021 season). And in the meantime, the Chiefs will face many great pass rushers or pass rush units over the next month. Maxx Crosby awaits on Friday. Myles Garrett and the Browns will be no slouch in Cleveland in a few weeks. And most of all, the daunting matchup that is T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers have the makings of possibly ruining Christmas for Kansas City again.
Entering Week 13, the Chiefs have allowed a pressure percentage of 22 percent, via Pro Football Reference. That is tied for 15th among the highest pressure percentages allowed. To have Mahomes face immense pressure on roughly one out of every five dropbacks, that is going to be a constant concern for as long as the Chiefs can take this season.
Moreover, the Chiefs' average pocket time is 2.3 seconds this season. That is tied for the second-lowest figure in that category. Some of this is not all on the offensive line. But it begs the question, does Kansas City have the horses to win down the field if Mahomes has to fire it quickly? We may have to find out soon.
