KC Chiefs: Under-the-radar impact players emerge in 2020 postseason

Mike Remmers

While the Chiefs are the best team in the AFC, with the most talent of any team, they still have their objective weaknesses. The numbers don’t necessarily reflect this the way the eye-test does, but the Chiefs have struggled along the offensive line this season.

This isn’t to say those called upon to play haven’t performed as hoped. The struggle is more in the injury column, with several long-time starters missing significant time with major injuries. This doesn’t even factor in five-year starter Laurent Duvernay-Tardif opting out before the season due to COVID-19 concerns.

Ironman right tackle Mitchell Schwartz has missed every game since week seven. Injuries happen, but Schwartz has been a mainstay along the Chiefs offensive line (and Cleveland Browns) during his career, starting 70 straight games for the Chiefs and 134 total. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely he’ll be ready to go for Super Bowl LV.

Maybe more serious, as the line had seemingly begun to coalesce over the last few games, starting left tackle Eric Fisher suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in the win against the Bills. Fisher protects the blind side of the franchise face, and his absence will create some challenges for the Chiefs coaching staff to overcome.

There are a number of players who could and should get a shoutout for holding the line, but maybe none more so than Mike Remmers. Remmers was the consummate under-the-radar signing this offseason, but he has been huge for the team since early in the season.

Since Week 6, Remmers has played nearly 100% of the team’s offensive snaps. Even more impressive, Pro Football Focus considers Remmer’s 2020 season one of his better ones and has him graded at 70.1. Remmers will play in his second Super Bowl on February 7th, with the Chiefs facing a surging pass rush in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive line, and the Chiefs will need him to continue delivering.