There is a lot to be excited about if you're a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. That doesn't mean there's nothing to be worried about, however.
The NFL franchise got its potential three-peat campaign off to a rousing start on Thursday night. The game concluded with a 27-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens to move the Chiefs to 1-0 on the season.
The end results are all that matter in the long run. That being said, there is one major concern the Chiefs must address as they move ahead to ensure the good times keep rolling along.
Chiefs offensive line got bullied by the Ravens
The Chiefs looked explosive in the passing game on Thursday night. The long ball is back, and Patrick Mahomes averaged a gaudy 10.4 yards per passing attempt, which beat any single-game performance he put up last season.
One wonders how much better this unit can get if the offensive line can tighten things up.
Kansas City's protection in front of Mahomes was suspect, at best, on Thursday night. Mahomes was sacked twice and pressured seven times.
Additionally, his poor decision on the interception to Roquan Smith was preceded by heavy pressure up the middle.
ROQUAN SMITH INTERCEPTION 🚨🚨🚨
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 6, 2024
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Even more troublesome is the fact that Isaiah Pacheco rushed for just 45 yards on 15 carries. Between him and rookie Carson Steele, Chiefs running backs averaged a paltry 2.8 yards per carry.
Rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamatala was baptized by fire in the game and had his issues. Pro Bowler Creed Humphrey wasn't immune from his struggles, either. It was just a mediocre overall performance from a group that is still getting its bearings.
If the Chiefs are going to continue ascending on the offensive side of the ball in 2024, this must change going forward.