The guys on the offensive line have been the unsung heroes of the Chiefs team for quite a while. After all, they are the bodyguards of Kansas City’s precious quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and they have done a pretty good job so far.
Unfortunately, they have been without one of their cornerstones in Mitchell Schwartz, as he has been out since leaving the October 19 game against Buffalo with a back injury.
Last week, during the AFC Championship against the Bills, injury struck once again, this time with Eric Fisher going down.
Kansas City is now without both starting tackles for Super Bowl LV. Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid confirmed on Monday that Fisher suffered a torn Achilles.
Now, they’ll need to adjust for the most important game of the season and find the best five players to protect Patrick Mahomes and clear out rushing lanes.
Heading into a big matchup against the Buccaneers defense, the offensive line must be perfect, since Tampa Bay defensive line that got to Aaron Rodgers five times during the NFC Championship game. Quite a performance from that unit.
The group that played after Fisher’s injury last weekend was the following: LT Mike Remmers – LG Nick Allegretti – C Austin Reiter – RG Stefen Wisniewski – RT Andrew Wylie.
They played pretty well and Andy Reid did said he was happy about their performance.
During the game, Mike Remmers, the main back up of All-Pro right tackle Mitchell Schwartz moved to Fisher’s spot on the left side. Right guard Andrew Wylie moved out to tackle, and Stefen Wisniewski came into the game at right guard.
This might not be a superstar lineup but they all have obvious qualities. Andrew Wylie did a good job at right tackle, especially in pass protection and the veteran Stefen Wisniewski was obviously a big part of the Chiefs victory in the Super Bowl last year. His experience will be a big plus to play against the Buccaneers.
Protecting Patrick Mahomes is obviously a priority.
“Yeah, well Wylie went to right tackle and Remmers went to left tackle,” Reid said. “It was a pretty seamless move there for him, but they practice that during the week. Andy Heck does a great job of maneuvering people around and giving them opportunities to play all the different positions.”
“This is also where Brett (Veach) comes in,” Reid said. “His thought of bringing Wiz (Stefen Wisniewski) here and then he steps in at guard. He’s experienced and he’s done that at all these different positions where — I don’t know — he doesn’t miss a beat. (Brett Veach) is always a step ahead and making sure that he covers his bases, so that’s much appreciated by the coaches and I know the players have a ton of respect for him too.”
Mike Remmers, a very experienced player, has over 800 career snaps at the position. He has played very well in KC and he is very committed to protecting Mahomes.
Nick Allegretti is yet another surprise. The “Italian Bulldozer” even drew praise on national TV from Tony Romo when he cleared a run for a Clyde Edwards-Helaire for a touchdown.
“Allegretti’s having a game right now,” Romo said after Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s second-quarter touchdown run. “73, the left guard. …Watch 73 right here, Allegretti, he takes two guys.”
The men from this brand new offensive line seem to have chemistry, and it is no surprise the team practices nicely at different positions.
The offensive line showed out even with big injuries. With two weeks to practice together, no doubt the team will prepare the best they can to protect Mahomes so he can bring more “Mahomes Magic” during the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay.
