What Chiefs Offensive Line Must Fix vs. Broncos

The Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line has been a topic of debate since last season, as quarterback Patrick Mahomes was sacked the most he has ever been in his career in 2024. The front office made some changes to the offensive line this offseason, yet there still remain some inconsistencies.

So far this season, the Chiefs' offensive line has allowed Mahomes to get brought down 17 times this season. At that rate, Mahomes has been sacked nearly two times per game, which is on pace for him to get sacked 34 times this season, should the trend continue.

And when it comes to the offensive line's history in protecting Mahomes when the Chiefs have taken on the Denver Broncos since 2017, the same issue sticks out like a sore thumb.

Mahomes Stats vs Broncos

Nov 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is tackled by Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

While Mahomes has been successful against the Broncos in his career, defeating them 13 times compared to one, pressure always surrounds the two-time MVP. In his career, Mahomes has been sacked 25 times in 14 games played.

What's really concerning is that in the last two seasons, spanning over three games (two in 2023, one in 2024), Mahomes was sacked nine times; five times in 2023 and four times in 2024. Now things have changed a tad from 2024's offensive line, but as of late, Mahomes' protection has been flawed.

Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) and running back Kareem Hunt (29) line up against the Baltimore Ravens during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

In the last two games, Mahomes has been sacked six times, three each game. With the return of Josh Simmons this week against the Broncos, the Chiefs should be hopeful to see those numbers decrease.

When Simmons was playing, before leaving the franchise to deal with a personal matter, Mahomes' sack rate was very low. Without Simmons, who was added as the big draft pick this offseason to ensure protection of the quarterback, the struggles were clear. Simmons' impact is huge.

Nov 2, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid walks the sideline before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Head coach Andy Reid dove into Simmons' departure and how it has affected the team, but more so from a teammate perspective than an offensive line protecting perspective.

"Players are always concerned about other players’ well-being, that’s first of all. But on the other hand, they also move forward, and they don’t necessarily look back. They giddy up and go on what’s there today and let’s go and they go 100 miles an hour with that. I think it’s a blend of things that they’re not dwelling on that, but they want to make sure he’s okay as a human being," Reid said.

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