Kansas City Chiefs: Concerns and Highlights of First Preseason Game
The Offensive Line wasn’t stopping anyone
Outside of the cornerback position this offseason, the offensive line has been the primary concern. With Zach Fulton leaving for the Houston Texans, the Chiefs were without the security blanket coming into the 2018 season. Fulton was able to jump in anywhere along the interior and without much drop off if any.
The left guard position continues to be a battle. It seems that Cam Erving is the likely starter week one as he has spent the most time with the starting line during training camp and Thursday nights game. Erving will also be the backup to every position along the line in case someone gets hurt.
One thing that stood out to me was that Bryan Witzmann was in with the second string line at left guard. Parker Ehinger looked like a mauler during his rookie season start before being injured in week four. Since then, he has been unable to beat out Witzmann, even when healthy. Are we looking at Witzmann coming in at left guard if Erving has to move elsewhere on the line this season?
Must Read. Don't panic over Patrick Mahomes not throwing deep in the preseason. light
Needless to say, the offensive line played extremely poor on Thursday. Patrick Mahomes was under fire for the entire quarter. Houston did not send out their starting rushers like J.J. Watt, Jaddeveon Clowney, and Whitney Mercilus. All three did not participate in the game which makes it very concerning that the offensive line couldn’t stop the Texans backup defensive line.
The hope is that it was the first preseason game and the line is knocking the rust off. Without rushers being able to use full contact and go after the passer in practice, it was the first time that the line had seen real competition. Given more time in the preseason together to develop not only some continuity but getting back to form should be something to keep an eye on.