As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for the 2025 NFL season, one of the most pressing concerns centers around the stability of their offensive line. The impact of this unit was glaringly obvious during Super Bowl LIX, when the Philadelphia Eagles dismantled their protection, effectively neutralizing Patrick Mahomes. With All-Pro interior lineman Joe Thuney no longer part of the team, the Chiefs now rely on less proven players, including rookie left tackle Josh Simmons and Jaylon Moore, a former San Francisco 49ers prospect, to guard Mahomes’ blind side. The pressure on these relatively inexperienced linemen is considerable and could define the team’s offensive success going forward.
A Look at Patrick Mahomes’ Potential to Reignite His 2020 Performance
There is widespread anticipation about whether Patrick Mahomes can return to the exceptional form he displayed in 2020. That season, the Chiefs’ offense heavily depended on tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill. However, both faces of that dynamic duo have changed. Tyreek Hill no longer plays for the team, and the version of Kelce from 2020 has evolved as the veteran tight end enters his 36th year and 10th Pro Bowl appearance, with signs of slowing down. The Chiefs are preparing to rely more on promising young receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy to fill the void. Observers note the parallels between Kelce’s role and Rice’s potential impact, as well as between Worthy and Hill. In this revamped system, Kelce is expected to adopt a more opportunistic role, while rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals is positioned to assume duties similar to those once held by Mecole Hardman. This diversified offensive strategy aims to apply pressure on opposing defenses across all three levels, bolstering the Chiefs’ attack.
Defensive Line Strength and Pass Rush Concerns Facing Kansas City
The Chiefs’ defense features star defensive tackle Chris Jones, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best interior defenders. Jones upheld his reputation with an impressive 90.2 PFF overall grade last season, leading his position. Despite consistent investments in building the defensive line, significant depth remains a concern. Former first-round pick George Karlaftis showed improvement in 2024 with a career-high 69.8 PFF overall grade but still ranked only 38th among edge defenders. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, another first-round pick, struggled for playing time and was rated 70th in the same category. Beyond Jones and Karlaftis, the pass rush has noticeably weakened, with players like Mike Danna dropping from 41 pressures in 2023 to just 22 in 2024. Additionally, Charles Omenihu’s recovery from a torn ACL limited his availability to six games, negatively affecting the team’s overall defensive impact. The lack of speed and agility among defensive ends complicates efforts to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, forcing the defensive front to rely heavily on brute strength rather than finesse to collapse the pocket.
Emerging Talent in Kansas City’s Backfield and Receiving Corps
In the running back group, undrafted free agent Carson Steele emerged as a key contributor during the 2024 campaign. Steele appeared in all 17 games, rushing for 183 yards on 56 carries and making significant special teams contributions. His collegiate career showcased strong performances at Ball State, where he amassed 1,556 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns in 2022, followed by a productive 2023 season at UCLA with 847 rushing yards. Steele has proven his value in training camps and preseason action and is poised to maintain his role in 2025.
On the offensive end, tight end Trey McBride has expressed ambitions to emulate the impactful connections established by Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes. Speaking at the Tight End University summit, McBride highlighted the importance of forging a close relationship between tight end and quarterback, drawing inspiration from Kelce’s guidance on communication and rapport with Mahomes. He aspires to develop a similar synergy with quarterback Kyler Murray, aiming to serve as a reliable target and security blanket, enhancing offensive cohesion.
Broader NFL Context: Veteran Quarterbacks and Team Outlooks
Across the league, veteran quarterbacks are making pivotal career decisions that will shape the landscape for 2025. Aaron Rodgers, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, indicated that this is likely his final NFL season. Reflecting on his two-decade tenure, which included four NFL MVP awards during his time with Green Bay, Rodgers emphasized the significance of finishing strong with a respected franchise and leadership team. His departure marks the end of an era for the Steelers’ passing game, highlighting the transitions occurring among experienced signal-callers league-wide.
Significance of Patrick Mahomes’ 2020 Comeback for the Chiefs’ Future
The Chiefs’ hopes for the 2025 season rest heavily on whether Patrick Mahomes can recapture the extraordinary level of play he demonstrated in his 2020 comeback year. The evolution of the team’s offensive weapons, the unproven but promising young receivers, and the uncertain offensive line performance will all play crucial roles. Defensive line depth and pass rush productivity remain areas needing reinforcement to complement Mahomes’ skill set and provide him the time and space necessary to execute effectively.
Should Mahomes return to his peak form, supported by emerging offensive talent and improved protection, the Chiefs could reestablish themselves as top contenders for the NFL title. Conversely, remaining challenges in blocking and defensive pressure may hinder these aspirations. The development and adaptation of players like Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Carson Steele will be closely watched as Kansas City aims to sustain its competitive edge.