Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has chosen not to significantly strengthen the team’s offensive line protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, despite evident vulnerabilities in pass protection and several missed opportunities in this year’s draft. Following a 2024 season in which Mahomes was sack-prone more than ever before, Reid remains confident in his quarterback’s ability to avoid avoidable sacks, leaving fans and analysts questioning the approach.
During the 2024 NFL season, Patrick Mahomes faced a career-high 31 sacks, raising alarms about Kansas City’s offensive line effectiveness. Yet despite this, the Chiefs refrained from aggressively pursuing offensive linemen in the draft or free agency, and no new running back was added to aid in alleviating pressure. Reid’s steady demeanor, well-known for his calm under pressure, suggested that he believes Mahomes’ instincts compensate for the team’s protection issues.
High Sack Rate Highlights Tactical Risk with Offensive Line
The Chiefs’ offensive line showed clear weaknesses last season, with Mahomes constantly forced to evade defenders. The absence of urgent moves to reinforce this critical area stands in contrast to typical responses seen in other NFL teams facing similar challenges. CBS Sports highlighted that running back and interior line positions—including defensive tackle and offensive guard—remain as glaring needs for the team heading into the summer, yet no major signings or early draft investments have been made to address these.
Reid appears to place significant trust in Mahomes’ ability to escape pressure thanks to his exceptional football instincts. In 2024, only 11.2% of the sacks he took were classified as avoidable, indicating that Mahomes usually finds ways to maneuver through collapsing pockets. Still, as the pressure rate on Mahomes’ dropbacks reached 33.6%, the highest of his career, concerns about how sustainable this approach is have grown louder among critics and fans alike.
Past Success Masks Systemic Protection Failures
Looking back to the 2022 championship season, Mahomes was sacked 34 times, a figure that arguably foreshadowed upcoming struggles. While the Chiefs secured the Lombardi Trophy that year, the persistent issues in the offensive line went largely unaddressed and threaten to compromise long-term success. The failure to fix protection holdups reflects a risky gamble by the organization that previous triumphs might continue despite a faltering core component of the offense.
The lack of focus on shoring up the running back position compounds this problem. Without a strong backfield threat to divert defensive attention, opposing teams are more likely to rush Mahomes aggressively, further exposing gaps in protection. This has resulted in an environment where Mahomes is under constant siege, increasing injury risk and limiting offensive options.
Chiefs Struggle with Running Back Production and Draft Decisions
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, drafted in 2020 as the anticipated cornerstone of Kansas City’s backfield, has failed to make the expected impact by 2025. In the 2024 season, his performance deteriorated substantially, totaling only 378 rushing yards on 98 carries, averaging 3.85 yards per attempt, and scoring three touchdowns. Notably, Edwards-Helaire did not record a single game with 100 rushing yards, and his longest run was a modest 21 yards, far below the expectations set for a first-round pick.
Additionally, Edwards-Helaire’s value as a receiving option declined sharply. With just 29 targets and 22 catches for 137 yards in 2024 without any receiving touchdowns, his impact as a versatile offensive weapon fell outside the top 30 running backs in receiving statistics, according to ESPN’s rankings. This decline undermines the Chiefs’ offensive diversity and enables defenses to concentrate efforts on disrupting Mahomes’ timing and rhythm.
Front Office Decisions Leave Fans and Analysts Frustrated
The Chiefs’ front office, led by Andy Reid, opted not to prioritize a new running back during the offseason, effectively doubling down on a position previously labeled as a “biggest remaining need” by sports analysts, including CBS Sports. The apparent reluctance to address this critical need comes after the disappointing outcome of the Clyde Edwards-Helaire experiment, suggesting a hesitance to invest further resources at the position.
Without an effective ground threat, defenses have shown less hesitation in applying pressure on Mahomes. Progressive Football Focus (PFF) data from last season revealed that defensive units pressured Mahomes on one-third of his dropbacks, a rate that underscores how the absence of a credible rusher limits the offense’s protective schemes. This dynamic leaves Mahomes vulnerable to relentless pass rushes rather than shielded by a balanced, unpredictable offense.
The Tension Between Mahomes’ Talent and Team Protection Deficiencies
Andy Reid’s calm and calculated approach reflects his enduring belief in Mahomes’ skill set and resilience. The coach’s mantra of
“If it ain’t broke, don’t rebuild it”
echoes as the rationale behind maintaining the current roster strategy, despite the rising pressure statistics. Still, this strategy carries risks given the evident cracks in the offensive line’s performance and the compromised running back position.
As defenses intensify efforts to reach Mahomes, the potential for injuries or a dip in his spectacular level of play remains a looming threat. How the Chiefs address this balancing act between relying on Mahomes’ agility and shoring up his protection could determine their competitive fortunes in the coming seasons.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t rebuild it.”
—Andy Reid, Head Coach
“Biggest Remaining Need for Every AFC Team“, the running back position was one of the biggest unchecked boxes heading into the summer. Same with D-tackle and offensive guard. Reid’s thinking? Mahomes has danced through chaos before, and he made it look fairly easy. The guy isn’t just protected by blockers; he’s protected by instincts. Only 11.2% of his sacks in 2024 were considered avoidable.”
—CBS Sports
The Chiefs continue to face a critical choice at this crossroads: rely on Mahomes’ extraordinary instincts to carry the offense under pressure or fundamentally reinforce the offensive line and backfield to provide him the security necessary for consistent success. With the NFL’s defensive arms race growing fiercer each year, the outcome of this strategic gamble will closely shape Kansas City’s ability to contend for championships beyond the present season.