In many ways, the Kansas City Chiefs’ game in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles was analogous to watching Canelo Álvarez fight Terence Crawford last night, a back-and-forth grudge match between two champions. But unlike the boxing match, the championship was not at stake this time.
However, Philly and K.C. have split Super Bowl victories in two of the past three years, and the history between the organizations adds even more intrigue. Nick Sirianni once worked for the Chiefs but wasn’t retained when Andy Reid took over. Reid himself coached the Eagles from 1999–2012 before what many describe as an “unceremonious exit” orchestrated by Howie Roseman.
Of course, we’re disappointed, Kingdom. There were plenty of chances to win, but the injury-riddled Chiefs now sit at 0–2, a rare feat in the Andy Reid era. Still, adversity brings opportunity if you have the right perspective. While it’s easy to dwell on miscues and injuries that led to a close loss, I’d like to spotlight a bright spot from this game, and for years to come: Josh Simmons.
Josh Simmons showed why the Chiefs drafted him in the first round by flashing elite effort despite the team's 0–2 start.
The NFL is a quarterback-driven league. That’s why the most valuable positions revolve around QBs, those who protect them, and those who can disrupt them. Playing left tackle is one of the most demanding jobs in football, especially when protecting one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the game. Patrick Mahomes makes magic off-platform, which means his linemen are never quite sure where he’ll be. But after just two weeks, it’s fair to say the Chiefs have found their franchise left tackle for at least the next decade.
Simmons has never shied away from the spotlight. As a true freshman at San Diego State, he started all 13 games. After transferring to Ohio State, he immediately won the starting left tackle job. Leading into the 2025 NFL Draft, he was touted as an elite prospect, drawing comparisons to Trent Williams. When Kansas City took him with the 32nd pick, they secured their bookend tackle and entrusted him with protecting their Hall of Fame quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
So far, Simmons has been everything the Chiefs expected him to be. In Week 1, Simmons faced former All-Pro and perennial Pro Bowler Khalil Mack. The rookie held his own, allowing four pressures but not a single sack.
In Week 2, Simmons drew an even tougher challenge: the Philadelphia Eagles’ stout defensive front, featuring one of the best interior duos in football, Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. With so much attention on the inside, the Eagles’ elite speed-rushing edge defender Nolan Smith Jr. often gets one-on-one matchups with tackles—but Simmons rose to the occasion again.
On Kansas City’s first 10 dropbacks, Vic Fangio blitzed four times, testing the Chiefs’ shaky offensive line. Simmons held strong. Neither of the Eagles’ two sacks came from Simmons' assignment, and the very first sack occurred right after he left the field with an injury.
Simmons was also part of an offensive line that wanted to add some balance this week by running the football effectively. While collectively this is still a work in progress, there were bright moments throughout the game.
Perhaps the most impressive moment of Simmons’ day wasn’t even a block; it was a hustle play. After Travis Kelce bobbled what looked like a sure touchdown into Andrew Mukuba’s hands, Simmons sprinted nearly 40 yards downfield to make a touchdown-saving tackle. It was a stunning display of athleticism and effort. Winning players make winning plays, and Simmons brings championship habits to Arrowhead Field.
Though Simmons had an injury scare in the second quarter, he returned and finished strong. Overall, Simmons has the lateral agility, length, anchor, and championship mentality to be a perennial Pro Bowler at left tackle. The only thing standing in his way now is staying healthy, just like the roster overall.