Mitchell Schwartz and Mike Remmers
As I am typing this on Sunday afternoon, Mitchell Schwartz is officially listed as questionable for this game with some back issues. I fully expect Schwartz to play, but Schwartz hasn’t been his usual dominant self so far this season and back issues could explain that. If Schwartz struggles or is inactive, it could be a major issue for the Chiefs offensive line.
With Kelechi Osemele now officially on IR, the Chiefs are already down one key offensive lineman. Mike Remmers will likely start in Osemele’s place, but should Schwartz miss time, then Remmers may have to move outside to right tackle and another reserve would have to come in at guard. Either way, Remmers needs to, at worst, be a competent starter.
The Chiefs line has struggled at times early this season and even if they are just down Osemele, they can’t afford Remmers to be a liability. If Schwartz can’t go and Remmers struggles at tackle and they have to go even lower on the depth chart at guard, it could lead to big issues for the offense.
Similar to how the Chiefs have struggled up front on offense at times, the Bills haven’t gotten the pressure they would like from guys along the defensive front like Jerry Hughes and Ed Oliver, who have combined for just one sack so far this season. One of those two units will likely “get right” in this game and it could have a big impact on what kind of game Mahomes has tonight. The play and status of Schwartz and Remmers will go a long ways to determining which group comes out on top in this one.
Speaking of pass rush, the Chiefs need a couple of their highly paid pass rushers to show up tonight.