Chiefs have success thanks to the new guys

Mitch Morse

Last, but not least, is the man who helped bring a touch of hope to the offensive line.

The offensive line was disastrous throughout last season. And while this year was better, it did not see the complete turnaround on the line that the team as a whole made from Week 7 onward. And Morse certainly played a role in that improvement.

Alex Smith still felt plenty of pressure in the backfield, as he was sacked 45 times – tied for third in league. But that was less about Morse than the rest of the line.

Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of stats to discuss when it comes to offensive linemen. But it says a lot that Morse was routinely listed among Pro Football Focus’ weekly top 10 rankings for Rookie of the Year. He also showed enough to beat out second year man Zach Fulton for the starting spot before the season began. He also held onto that spot throughout the season, starting all 15 games he played.

Coupled with signs of progression from Eric Fisher, the Chiefs offensive line looks like it could be on the upswing.

So while the season may not have ended on the high note we all hoped for, it was filled with highlights and a lot of encouragement from some of the future faces of the Kansas City Chiefs. Players that the front office will hopefully be able to build around for years to come. And that feels pretty darn good.

Next: Saying goodbye is the hardest part

GO CHIEFS!!!!!