For the first time in two weeks we’re going to see the Kansas City Chiefs play football this weekend, and already some big time decisions are being made.
Really it’s more like three weeks since we’ve last watched the Chiefs play a real game, as that was the last time the bulk of Kansas City’s most important players suited up. It’s been since Christmas that Patrick Mahomes has played, but when he finally gets back under center on Saturday against Houston, he’ll have some pretty solid protection on his left side.
One of the biggest decisions the Chiefs needed to make heading into the Divisional Round was who would be the starting left tackle. Offensive line play has been spotty this season, which is what led the team to sign D.J. Humphries earlier in the year.
The problem was Humphries wasn’t healthy and the Chiefs didn’t get a good look at him until Week 18 in what amounted to a preseason-level game. Humphries looked fine in the action he saw, but it seems Kansas City is going to roll into this weekend riding the hot hand of Joe Thuney instead.
Chiefs take a gamble and plan to start Joe Thuney at left tackle vs. Texans
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Chiefs are planning on starting Thuney at left tackle even though Humphries is healthy and played last week.
#Chiefs plan to start Joe Thuney at left tackle Saturday vs. #Texans, per sources. D.J. Humphries is healthy, but Thuney, a Pro Bowl guard, flourished in tackle relief while Humphries was hurt. So, Chiefs prepared to ride the hot hand. pic.twitter.com/ep1vvU8VGL
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 17, 2025
It’s a strange spot that the Chiefs are in, as Thuney moving to tackle means that Mike Caliendo and his 28.1 PFF average pass block grade will be replacing him at guard. Everything else about the line seems to look fine, but it’s impossible to not look at Calidendo as a pretty significant weak link; however he’s not weak enough for the Chiefs to deem him unplayable in the biggest game of the season thus far.
Here’s a scenario that could play out if things start to go sideways on Kansas City against a pretty underrated Houston defense: Thuney moves over to guard and Humphries gets thrown into the fire at tackle. It’s not ideal but it seems to be the best line combination for the Chiefs assuming Caliendo can’t do his part.
That’s the benefit of the situation, as the Chiefs have options — and potential safety valves to pull. Ideally Caliendo pulls his weight and Humphries can rest up for potential need in the AFC Championship Game. It’s easier said than done given what we’ve seen so far this year, but it’s another example of how well-constructed the Chiefs are to win at a very specific time of the year rather than have what happened earlier get held against them.
