Most important KC Chiefs not named Mahomes in AFC Championship

Number 4 – Offensive Tackle Eric Fisher

Since being drafted number one overall in the 2013 draft, Eric Fisher has largely been labeled a bust. When the Chiefs extended him in August of 2016, many Chiefs fans were disappointed with the decision.

Since that extension, however, the offensive tackle has been relatively healthy and productive and went to the Pro Bowl in 2018. Fisher hasn’t been an unbelievable blindside blocker by any means, but he has been – at the very least – consistent and solid on the offensive line.

From week 11 to the Super Bowl in 2018, Fisher was the highest graded tackle in football according to Pro Football Focus. While Fisher missed time with a groin injury this season, he has brought it on in these playoffs and is a key part in limiting the amount of pressure on Patrick Mahomes.

While Tennessee doesn’t have the greatest pass rush in the NFL, Fisher and the offensive line gave Mahomes an incredible amount of time to throw, as indicated on that play where he was able to take off and run for the touchdown.

This upcoming San Francisco team has arguably the best defensive line in the entire league and Fisher will be tested with Nick Bosa and former teammate Dee Ford. This will be the 29-year-old’s biggest game of his career, no different than everyone else on the team.

Number 3 – Offensive Tackle Mitchell Schwartz

Noticing a theme? Dominating the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball is how you get to the Super Bowl. That leads us to Mitchell Schwartz, who deserves a lot of credit and respect.

The offensive tackle on the other side of the line of scrimmage was 1st-Team All-Pro in 2018 and has been 2nd-Team three other times, including this year. Since coming to Kansas City in 2016, he has been a staple on offense, pancaking his way to dominance.

He has started every single game in his career and has just 12 holding penalties in his regular season career, which has consisted of eight seasons. He’s been a machine and was snubbed once again at this year’s Pro Bowl. However, he wouldn’t have made it to Hawaii anyway since the Chiefs have a bigger game to play in.

The offensive line has been pretty dominant when healthy this season and Schwartz is the anchor. You hardly hear of him during the game because he makes virtually no mistakes and just does his job. Plus, he’s had just one false start this season.

The stats go on and on about this guy, proving he is one of the best offensive linemen in the league and he made sure Mahomes had a clean pocket almost every time he dropped back on Sunday. It’s time to stop taking him for granted.

Mitchell Schwartz will have his hands full no matter who lines up against him on February 2nd. He may be the key to victory against a Niners team that got pressure whenever they wanted against the Packers in the NFC Championship.