Chiefs’ Josh Simmons Faces Intense Pressure to Step Up as Patrick Mahomes’ Key Weapon
The Kansas City Chiefs, perennial contenders and reigning Super Bowl participants, enter the new NFL season with a renewed sense of urgency. Last year’s championship game left a bitter taste—not because they lost, but because their high-powered offense sputtered under relentless defensive pressure. As Andy Reid and the Chiefs look to reclaim their dominance, much of their success may hinge on a single rookie: offensive tackle Josh Simmons.
The Pressure on Simmons
Josh Simmons isn’t just any rookie. He’s been thrust into one of the most critical roles in football—protecting Patrick Mahomes, the league’s most dynamic quarterback. According to The Athletic’s Derrik Klassen, Simmons must “hit the ground running” and skip the usual transition period most rookies require. The stakes are clear: Mahomes needs time in the pocket to operate at his best, and last season, the offensive line failed to deliver that protection, especially in crucial drop-back scenarios.
The Super Bowl was a stark reminder of this vulnerability. Mahomes was sacked six times, and the Chiefs’ inability to throw deep was directly tied to shaky pass protection. If Simmons can solidify his side of the line, it could be the difference between another frustrating finish and a return to offensive fireworks.
Raising the Standard—Even a Little
Klassen doesn’t expect Simmons to be a Pro Bowler right away. The ask is more modest but no less important: be average. Last season, the Chiefs’ offensive tackle play ranked near the bottom of the league—31st, by some measures. If Simmons can help elevate that position to even 21st, it would make a “really long way in Patrick Mahomes being comfortable back there,” Klassen notes.
Why does this matter? With improved protection, Mahomes can take more time, scan the field, and find deep threats like Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice. The Chiefs’ offense, which managed to remain the seventh-best unit in the NFL last season, could return to its “lighting the world on fire” form that fans have come to expect.
The Ripple Effect
Simmons’ development isn’t just about one player—it’s about the entire offensive ecosystem. A more reliable offensive line means better play-calling flexibility for Andy Reid, more explosive plays, and less pressure on Mahomes to improvise under duress. It also opens up opportunities for Kansas City’s young receiving corps to showcase their speed and talent on deeper routes.
Moreover, for a franchise built on championship aspirations, the margin for error is slim. Every snap Simmons takes, every block he makes, will be scrutinized—not just by coaches, but by a fanbase hungry for another title.
Conclusion
Josh Simmons faces a daunting challenge: play like a seasoned veteran from day one. While the expectations are high, the reward is even greater. If Simmons and his fellow linemen can raise their game to just average, the Chiefs could unlock the full potential of their offense and make another run at the Super Bowl.
In the end, protecting Patrick Mahomes isn’t just a job—it’s the key to Kansas City’s championship hopes. For Josh Simmons, the pressure is real, but so is the opportunity to make an immediate, lasting impact.
