KC Chiefs vs. Cardinals: Key takeaways from the preseason win

Offensive line impresses again

Despite being fully reconstructed this offseason, the continuity and chemistry on the offensive line are very impressive—especially when you see three rookies starting off the Chiefs.

J.J. Watt and Chandler Jones were both absent from this game, but the offensive line faced multiple third-down blitzes and proved themselves up to the task, comfortably handling each of those situations in the first half.

At one point, Mahomes ordered Creed Humphrey to communicate to the team what the defense was showing pre-snap. For Mahomes to give Humphrey that responsibility shows the trust the former MVP quarterback has in his rookie center.

Last season, the run game was so inconsistent because the offensive line would struggle to open up running lanes. So far in the preseason, Kansas City’s offensive line has given Clyde Edwards-Helaire plenty of room to orchestrate. Edwards-Helaire’s first rush against the 49ers went for 10 yards, and on Friday night the former first-round pick ran for seven yards to open the game.

You may be thinking, “So what? Who cares?” But, that goes back to setting the tone. This offensive line already prides itself on bullying opposing defensive lines. If the Chiefs can get that run game going early in games, defenses are going to be left guessing what is coming next.

Kansas City has become predictable in its play calling in the last season or two. The majority of the time, Kansas City would pass on first down and run on second down. This unit has been stellar in both their run blocking and pass blocking. Mahomes should have plenty of time behind this offensive line, which allowed zero sacks in Arizona, and should be working with a clean pocket for the most part this season.