Chiefs' changes along offensive line provide blindside boost against Myles Garrett

Sunday in Cleveland was the Chiefs' highest margin of victory this season. A 14-point victory was filled with some excitement, but a late injury to Patrick Mahomes along with some questionable coaching decisions still placed a cloud over a win for Kansas City.

There was one positive development for a part of the offense that had been struggling for the Chiefs: the play at left tackle was as steady a performance as Kansas City had seen all season. Joe Thuney, generally the team's left guard, shifted out to left tackle with recent signee D.J. Humphries unavailable. Meanwhile, it was Mike Caliendo who slid into the left guard spot, elevating into a starting role and showing some encouraging signs.

The Chiefs are hoping to get Humphries back at some point. Thuney is more experienced at the guard position, of course. But if Thuney and Caliendo provided anything in the Chiefs' most recent victory, it was much-needed comfort for that side of the blocking unit.

Thuney Keeps Garrett In Check

If there was one thing that could have wrecked this game for the Chiefs offense, it was the potential of all-world pass rusher Myles Garrett. Cleveland's top defender entered Sunday with 11 sacks and 22 quarterback hits on the season. All told, most Kansas City fans were probably going to be left more stunned if he did not register at least a pair of sacks on Patrick Mahomes. But in the end, Garrett only ended up with three quarterback hits. He finished the game without a sack.

That had to be a revelation for someone like Mahomes. Even though his day ended with an annoying injury, Mahomes was able to escape the wrath of Garrett throughout the day on Sunday. This season alone, the Chiefs quarterback had already been sacked 35 times this season entering the Cleveland game. For those that were unaware, that was already a new single-season career high for Mahomes.

Thuney not only provided resistance against Garrett. In total, he was able to stay square and combatted the Browns' pass rusher with strong hands at the point of attack. It was a tremendous achievement, given how unsettled Mahomes had felt all season with the issues at left tackle.

Caliendo Proves To Be Reliable Moving Forward

The Chiefs have used Mike Caliendo sparingly since entering the NFL. He did catch a pass as an eligible receiver earlier this season, for what it is worth. After mainly seeing chances on special teams reps, Caliendo earned himself some added trust moving forward. With his performance on Sunday, that could prove to be a key element for the Chiefs and their roster decisions going into next season.

Trey Smith is set to hit free agency in a few months. Unless the team is able to retain him, there will be a massive hole at one of the guard spots next year. Perhaps, Caliendo can step in and provide sturdy results for Kansas City. By no means, is Caliendo the same style of player that Smith is. He could be a trustworthy piece that fully knows the system, though, if the Chiefs opt for that cheaper route. Meanwhile, Caliendo could have also shown on Sunday that he can be reliable if K.C. needs him in high-pressure moments during this upcoming playoff run.

Chiefs Offense Can Operate In Many Ways With Blindside Protected

So long as Mahomes is kept upright and does not get hurt any further, the Chiefs offense can attack in a variety of ways. That is especially true, when the left side of the offensive line is intact. Thuney may quickly shift back to left guard when Humphries is possibly ready to return at left tackle. Come playoff time, that blind side protection is arguably going to be one of the few things that makes or breaks the Chiefs' chances at a historic three-peat.

If they can remain balanced or even beat teams by Mahomes being efficient with his arm, Kansas City must get the sort of comfort that the left side of the line provided on Sunday. These next couple of weeks will also be key tests before entering the playoffs. Regardless of health and who is available, the Chiefs will see stout pass rushes within Houston and Pittsburgh. If they can figure out their recipe for success on the blind side, Kansas City will be in much more control come January.