With just days to go before the start of the NFL preseason, the Kansas City Chiefs are feeling the weight of expectation as they look to maintain their status as the league’s most consistently dominant team in recent years.
They reached three straight Super Bowls, and although they were overwhelmed by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third, their strong pedigree suggests they’ll come back even stronger this year in pursuit of another title. Add to that a wounded pride, and they become twice as dangerous.
Given all this, opposing teams are constantly adjusting their defenses to better attack Patrick Mahomes. That’s why protecting the quarterback has become an even greater priority in Kansas City. He is, and will remain, the franchise’s most valuable asset.
The Chiefs’ key position
Following the recent trade of veteran guard Joe Thuney, the team needs to quickly establish stability if they wants to avoid surprises early in the season.
The offensive line is crucial, especially now, as the Chiefs aim to maintain the dominant level of play they’ve showcased in recent years. There’s no room for doubt or underperformance.
Key moments to watch with the Chiefs
The Thuney trade left a significant hole that the Chiefs must fill urgently. Head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy are putting their trust in Kingsley Suamataia to take on that responsibility in his second year, hoping he can become the reliable presence he wasn’t fully able to be last season as a tackle.
Now being moved to guard, the coaching staff expects better efficiency and results from him.
To reinforce the offensive line, the team also brought in Jaylon Moore, who is expected to become a starter at tackle. Meanwhile, Joe Simmons, their first-round pick-is still recovering from a knee injury. On the plus side, the team managed to retain Trey Smith and Nick Bolton, both of whom have become key contributors.
The player under pressure: Kingsley Suamataia
Drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2024 draft, Suamataia enters the 2025 season with immense pressure on his shoulders. He’s now tasked with protecting Patrick Mahomes, no small assignment.
One area he must improve significantly is his speed in pass protection. He struggled with that during his rookie year, even while playing at tackle, and now he’ll be transitioning to guard.
He’ll be in fierce competition to secure the left guard position and become the reliable blocker tasked with shielding the franchise quarterback. The Chiefs hope he learned a great deal during his rookie year and that this offseason has helped him reach the speed and skill level required to thrive in the NFL.
For now, he continues to adapt to the new role. He has the physical tools to make the transition work. The only question is whether he can truly deliver what the team expects of him.
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