Kansas City Chiefs' Struggles Highlight the Importance of Josh Simmons
The Kansas City Chiefs faced a tough loss to the Buffalo Bills, with their offensive struggles becoming evident in the 28-27 defeat. This setback came without the presence of rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons, who had been absent for the past four games due to personal reasons. His return is expected to bring much-needed stability to the team’s offensive line.
Patrick Mahomes, the two-time All-Pro quarterback, was under immense pressure throughout the game. The Chiefs’ offensive line struggled to protect him against a strong Buffalo secondary, leading to one of the worst performances of his career. Mahomes completed just 15 out of 34 passes, resulting in a career-low completion rate of 44.1%. This marked the first time in his career that he failed to complete more passes than he missed.
In addition to the low completion rate, Mahomes also experienced another first: he did not throw a single touchdown in the game. Prior to this match, he had an impressive season with 189 completions out of 282 attempts (67.0%) for 2,099 yards and 17 touchdowns. However, on Sunday, the Bills managed to sack him three times, resulting in a loss of 24 yards, and they also intercepted him once, marking his fifth interception of the season.
Despite these challenges, there is hope for Mahomes and the Chiefs as they prepare for their next game. Josh Simmons has returned to the team after a lengthy absence, which is expected to provide added protection for the quarterback.
Simmons’ Return and Impact on the Team
Simmons, the Chiefs’ first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was selected 32nd overall following a successful senior year with the Ohio State Buckeyes. He played well in his first five games, securing his spot as the starting left tackle. Now that he has returned, he is expected to resume his role under head coach Andy Reid.
Simmons was initially supposed to play in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions but was scratched due to personal reasons. He missed the subsequent four games, with Jaylon Moore stepping in as the starting tackle. The reason for his absence was not disclosed publicly, but it was clear that his presence was missed by the team.
With the Chiefs set to face the Denver Broncos in an AFC West rivalry matchup, Simmons’ return could be crucial. The game will take place on Sunday, November 16, at Empower Field at Mile High, with a kickoff scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET. This game is a significant opportunity for the Chiefs to regroup and show improvement.
Looking Ahead for the Chiefs
As the Chiefs move forward, the focus will be on how quickly Simmons can adapt back into the starting lineup and how effectively he can support Mahomes. The team's performance in the upcoming games will likely depend on the strength of their offensive line and the ability of Mahomes to find his rhythm.
With the bye week coming up in Week 10, the Chiefs have time to regroup and make necessary adjustments. The return of Simmons is a positive development, and the team will be looking to build on this momentum as they continue their season.
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