Kansas City Chiefs: 5 Takeaways from Week 2 Loss to Broncos
By Brett Gering
2. Mike McGlynn Is the New (Old) Jeff Allen
Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs center Rodney Hudson (61) and guard Mike McGlynn (75) attempt to recover a fumble away from defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) late in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Look, nobody with a drop of perspective in their bloodstream likes ripping professional athletes. When the final whistle blows, you’re reminded that, at the end of the day, it’s a game. (Or, you lash out with a wave of irrational anger and make the family pug whimper in confused fear.)
That being said, if the past is indicative of the future, McGlynn is 20 snaps away from typing “careerbuilder.com” into a URL box.
Last year, there were 81 guards who partook in at least one-fourth of their team’s offensive snaps; PFF ranked McGlynn No. 74. On the heels of Sunday’s letdown, the 29-year-old currently ranks No. 67 of 67.
Entering the NFL, Allen’s lackluster upper-body strength routinely haunted him. However, he slowly but surely looked to be turning the corner throughout 2013.
McGlynn, on the other hand, was drafted in 2008—he’s not the new kid on the block. Throughout the past two weeks, he has been bull-rushed and manhandled or pulling and whiffing on (what seems like) every other play.
Jeff Linkenbach isn’t the long-term answer, but in juxtaposing him with McGlynn, he also can’t be more of a short-term problem. Regardless, even after Donald Stephenson returns, the offensive line will be starving for depth.