Chiefs' offensive line pitched a shutout in preseason Week 2

The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line put together a special performance in preseason Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals. You don't often get perfect games from offensive linemen in the NFL, and that's especially true when you're talking about the preseason. You've got multiple units and levels of talent playing against each other, and there […]

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor

Aug 21, 2023 11:20 AM EDT

The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line put together a special performance in preseason Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals.

You don't often get perfect games from offensive linemen in the NFL, and that's especially true when you're talking about the preseason. You've got multiple units and levels of talent playing against each other, and there is virtually no game-planning for your opponents. It all typically leads to some poor play and the occasional mismatch.

On Saturday, the Chiefs' offensive line didn't allow a single sack or quarterback hit through four quarters of play against the Cardinals. Only five offensive linemen allowed pressures (hurries) all game according to PFF: Sebastian Guitierrez (2), Wanya Morris (1), Trey Smith (1), Donovan Smith (1), and Jawaan Taylor (1).

Patrick Mahomes, who notably likes to get hit during the preseason, spoke about the fact that he hadn't been touched through two games.

“I told my offensive linemen that I play in the preseason to get hit one time, and I literally didn’t get touched these last two games," Mahomes said. "So they did a great job. It’s a good problem to have. There were times where I sat in the pocket for a while and it was like they’re keeping everybody away from me. When I scrambled it seems like I scrambled just to try to make a play when I had to.”

You won't find Andy Reid (or anyone in the Chiefs Kingdom) complaining about the fact that Mahomes didn't get hit in the preseason.

This is a big development for a team that made a ton of changes at the tackle position this offseason. It's also notable that several depth players who played over 20 snaps in preseason Week 2 didn't allow a single pressure, let alone a sack or QB hit. It's all pointing to the fact that the team's starters and depth have much improved from a season ago. It certainly will give Brett Veach some tough decisions to make come roster cuts.