Title: Clash of Camps: A Bodyguard for Mahomes in AFC West
The AFC West has always been a fiercely competitive division in the National Football League (NFL). The Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers have all had their moments of glory and despair. However, the recent years have seen the Kansas City Chiefs, led by their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, dominate the division. But as the 2021 season approaches, the Chiefs have made a significant move to ensure their star player’s safety and longevity in the game – a move that has set the stage for an intriguing clash of camps in the AFC West.
The Chiefs’ offensive line was a major concern during the 2020 season, especially during Super Bowl LV where they were thoroughly outplayed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive line. This led to Mahomes being under constant pressure throughout the game, which significantly affected his performance. Recognizing this vulnerability, the Chiefs made a strategic move during the offseason to bolster their offensive line.
In March 2021, the Chiefs signed Joe Thuney, one of the best guards in the league, to a five-year contract worth $80 million. This was followed by another significant acquisition – Orlando Brown Jr., a Pro Bowl tackle from the Baltimore Ravens. These moves were clearly aimed at providing better protection for Mahomes, who is undoubtedly the Chiefs’ most valuable asset.
The addition of Thuney and Brown Jr. to the Chiefs’ offensive line is expected to significantly improve their pass protection. Thuney, in particular, is known for his exceptional pass-blocking skills. He allowed just two sacks in 2020 and was ranked as the third-best guard in pass protection by Pro Football Focus. Brown Jr., on the other hand, is a massive presence on the line and has proven his ability to protect the quarterback effectively.
However, these additions have not gone unnoticed by the other teams in the AFC West. The Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers have all made moves to strengthen their defensive lines in response. The Broncos signed Shelby Harris to a three-year contract and added Shamar Stephen from the Minnesota Vikings. The Raiders acquired Yannick Ngakoue, a proven pass rusher, from the Ravens. The Chargers, meanwhile, drafted Rashawn Slater, a highly-rated offensive tackle, to protect their own star quarterback, Justin Herbert.
The moves made by the Chiefs and their rivals in the AFC West have set the stage for an intriguing clash of camps in the 2021 season. The Chiefs have invested heavily in protecting their star quarterback, while their rivals have responded by strengthening their defensive lines. This strategic arms race will undoubtedly lead to some intense battles in the trenches during the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to bolster their offensive line to protect Patrick Mahomes has sparked a fascinating clash of camps in the AFC West. The moves made by the Chiefs and their rivals have added an extra layer of intrigue to the division’s battles. As fans eagerly await the start of the 2021 season, one thing is clear – the AFC West is set to be a fiercely contested battleground once again.