The Kansas City Chiefs are poised for the 2024 NFL season as reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champions. However, according to ESPN analysts Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz, and Seth Walder, their starting lineup ranks second in the league, just behind the San Francisco 49ers.
The Chiefs’ greatest asset is undoubtedly their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, who is widely regarded as the best in the league. His exceptional play provides Kansas City with a unique advantage. However, the team’s biggest weakness lies in their offensive tackles. Mike Clay highlighted concerns about right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who signed a four-year, $80 million deal but underperformed in 2023. Taylor ranked poorly in run block win rate and allowed a high number of pressures, hits, and hurries. The situation at left tackle is equally concerning, with Donovan Smith’s departure and unproven players like Wanya Morris, Lucas Niang, and rookie Kingsley Suamataia vying for the position.
On the offensive side, Kansas City’s X-factor for 2024 is the new duo of wide receivers: Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy. Walder noted that the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII despite a weak wide receiver corps and struggled offensively for much of last season. Brown and Worthy are expected to provide much-needed reinforcement. However, Brown is coming off a career-low season, and Worthy is an unproven rookie. Their performances will be crucial, especially with Rashee Rice’s availability in doubt.
Defensively, the spotlight falls on linebacker Leo Chenal in the “nonstarter to know” category. While Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton dominate discussions about Kansas City’s middle defenders, Schatz emphasized Chenal’s impact. In Super Bowl LVIII, Chenal forced a fumble and blocked an extra point. He excels against the run, with his average tackle occurring just 2.3 yards from the line of scrimmage. Additionally, he recorded 13 pressures when rushing the passer. However, his pass coverage remains a weakness.
In summary, the Chiefs enter the 2024 season with a strong overall lineup, led by Mahomes. Key areas of concern include their offensive tackle positions and the need for improved performance from their new wide receivers. Defensively, Leo Chenal’s development could be pivotal.
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