Kansas City Chiefs: What to look for in first preseason game

Offensive Line Positional Battles

The offensive line has been intriguing to watch during training camp as players have moved all around the line. Last season it was a big surprise when guard Parker Ehinger was healthy, but not in the starting role at left guard. Instead, the Chiefs continued to start Bryan Witzmann.

The left guard position is going to be a position to watch during the first preseason game. While Ehinger seemed to be an aggressive mauler at the left guard position his rookie season, he was not able to start last season coming back from injury. He is not going to get the starting job without beating out a couple of other players in 2018 either.

Cam Erving, an offensive lineman that Brett Veach traded for last preseason from the Cleveland Browns, is another player that will be battling to start. Erving is a versatile player that has experience at all five positions on the offensive line making him extremely valuable. He has seen a lot of snaps with the ones during training camp as well.

Look for who is starting at left guard during the first quarter whether it be Erving, Witzmann, or Ehinger. Beginning in the second quarter and beyond, look for Ehinger or Witzmann to see how they do against backup talents. Do they dominate their position or just hold their own.

While many fans get excited over a couple of flashes from players, it’s important to remember that if they are starting talent, they should be dominating the backups. Tonight’s game will be a clear indicator of how the Chiefs feel about who should start at left guard.