The Kansas City Chiefs are in the hunt for a third straight Super Bowl triumph but the quarterback is facing a major obstacle.

Although they have not been at their sparkling best so far this season, the Kansas City Chiefs look well-placed to challenge for a championship again.

The reigning Super Bowl champions cruised to a 15-2 record in the regular season, even managing to rest key players for the final weekend after securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC. However 2024 has revealed a worrying gap in the Chiefs’ armour.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has suffered a career-high 36 sacks this season, averaging 2.25 sacks per game. Aside from his debut season in which he played just one game, the previous regular season high for Mahomes was 1.69 sacks.

Pass protection is always likely to be a key factor for the Chiefs given Mahomes’ willingness to hold on to the ball, dancing in the pocket until his runners have found space. In fact in the 2024 regular season Mahomes spent more time in the pocket than in any previous year, increasing the pressure on his offensive line.

One of Mahomes’ biggest attributes could start to become a net negative for the team if he isn’t afforded better protection in the playoffs.

Thuney could hold the key for Chiefs

Of all the roles in the offensive line the left tackle is often the one blamed when the QB finds himself on the turf. Protection for the thrower’s blind side allows the quarterback to make plays and limit the risk of injuries and the Chiefs may have found the missing piece of the offensive picture.

In December head coach Andy Reid switched veteran guard Joe Thuney to the left tackle after D.J. Humphries, Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia had all struggled to fill the role this season. The move has been transformative and Thuney has now been named to the Pro Bowl for a third consecutive season. His impact has not gone unnoticed.

“Joe has been incredible,” Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck said last week. “First off, he’s a great pro. You ask him, ‘Hey, can you step in at left tackle?’ And he did an admirable job doing that. He’s a great offensive guard [and] interior player, but of course, he played tackle in college. So, for him to step out there and do that job, hats off to him.”

If Thuney can continue this form into the postseason he could prove key to another Chiefs’ tilt at a championship. Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Isiah Pacheo and a number of other regular starters were rested for the Week 18 meeting with the Broncos, ensuring that they are fit and ready for the Divisional round game in two weeks time. If they can, once again, find form at the right time few would bet against the Chiefs.