Chiefs Mid-Season Report Cards: Offensive Line
Aug 9, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) under center Rodney Hudson (61) during the first quarter of a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Games Started: 9 of 9
Penalties/Yardage: 1 penalty accepted for 10 yards
Sacks Allowed: 3
Mid-Season Grade: C-
I was a huge fan of Rodney Hudson when the Chiefs selected him in the 2nd round of the 2011 draft. This kid looked solid out of Florida State with his size, speed, and technique. During that 2011 season, Hudson had to step in and start against the Bears. Remember that game? Tyler Palko threw a hail Mary pass right before half time that was tipped to Dexter McCluster. That play ended up being the difference in the game. Anyways, Hudson played like a stud in that game. He was putting Bears defenders on the ground in the run game, and did not give up a sack or a penalty. Granted it was just one game, but there was some serious promise for him moving forward.
The 2012 season rolled in and Hudson was slated to start at Center for the Chiefs. After a solid training camp, and start to his first season at center, Hudson’s season was shortened when he broke his leg in week 3 against the New Orleans Saints. That was one of the injuries last year that really left me disappointed.
This season, Hudson has struggled to stay in a groove. He’s done a very serviceable job, but the last few weeks against stellar competition, (Phil Taylor, Kyle Williams, J.J. Watt) Hudson has struggled mightily. Him giving up the three sacks up the middle isn’t a great thing when grading the center position. I still have a ton of faith in Hudson, but he has not played well the past few weeks, and that’s why I only gave him a C- for his mid-season grade.