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How can a new NFL ranking of linemen help Patrick Mahomes? Source: X
While Patrick Mahomes is one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss was partially blamed on him. Mahomes faced relentless pressure from the opposing defense, which disrupted his usual rhythm; he missed a few key passes, including some deep shots that could have changed the game’s momentum.
Quarterback Mahomes desperately needed the help of interior offensive linemen who could help by keeping the pocket clean and stable and allow him space to step up and make throws. But this season he could make the most of the offensive linemen because they are some of the best in the league! Sports platform ESPN recently placed two Chiefs offensive linemen, center Creed Humphrey and guard Trey Smith, among the top four in the NFL!
Kansas City Chiefs offensive linemen Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith among the top 4 in the NFL
The ranking has been compiled by Jeremy Fowler and is actually based on input gathered from NFL coaches, scouts, and executives who participated via a survey.“Last year, Humphrey made the case as the best overall center since Jason Kelce,” Fowler wrote on the platform’s website. “Now, he’s the top interior linemen thanks to consistency in the voting. He’s the only one to appear on every ballot and was a top-three recipient on the majority of them.”
He further added, “That Kansas City franchise tagged Smith at $23.4 million says a lot about the quality of the player. The Chiefs are often salary cap-strapped and aren’t afraid to let marquee free agents walk… but Smith is too unique to escape the Chiefs’ facility.”
This further makes it obvious that Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith are vital to Patrick Mahomes' success on the field. As the center, Humphrey is the anchor of the offensive line and is the one who can make protection calls and read defensive alignments. His consistency can help Mahomes adjust plays quickly and stay protected from interior pressure, which has been a chink in his armour during the last Super Bowl. Trey Smith, at right guard can help neutralize aggressive defensive tackles and blitzing linebackers. Together, Smith and Humphrey can create a clean pocket and actually lead Mahomes to deliver accurate throws, which can definitely bring him the team a lot more wins.