Mahomes gets all the proof he needs about Chiefs' new offensive line

Given that the Kansas City Chiefs underwent a fairly significant transformation across the offensive line this offseason, it's natural to scrutinize the results. The good news is that, in the Chiefs preseason finale against the Chicago Bears, Patrick Mahomes saw what he needed to.

The Chiefs first-team offense got a lot of playing time in the third preseason game, with Mahomes taking 20 snaps across three drives—good for two touchdowns and one field goal. Mahomes ended up with 7 more snaps than any other QB on the night.

That sort of preseason tune-up gave the offensive front its best chance to gel since coming together in training camp, and according to Mahomes, it went a long way toward allowing the offense to do what it wants.

"It's kind of like cliché, but it all starts up front. When the offensive line is blocking like that, it gets the offense going," said Mahomes to reporters after the Bears' 29-27 win at Arrowhead..

Mahomes said the quality reps against the Bears first-team defense allowed new faces (or new places) like Josh Simmons and Kingsley Suamataia the chance to hone their technique and develop chemistry that will be important for the team's season-opening game in Week 1 against the L.A. Chargers.

"I thought they did a great job," said Mahomes. "They've been working hard the entire camp, and obviously, the veteran guys did a great job. But it was good to see the young guys go up against some good rushers and some games and stuff like that, and give me a lot of time in the pocket. When they give you time like that, guys can get open downfield."

Simmons was the team's first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft last April and settled into the left tackle role since offseason training activities. Reviews have been strong, but having never played an official NFL snap, it's good to see him log 20 snaps in front of Mahomes.

Even more heartening is the positive glimpses shown by Kingsley Suamataia at left guard. Replacing Joe Thuney would be tough for any prospect, but the second-year lineman's tape has been mercurial in the first two exhibitions against the Cardinals and Seahawks.

Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith are Pro Bowlers for good reason, and they continued to dominate along the Chiefs' interior, even in the preseason. Meanwhile, right tackle Jawaan Taylor was solid as well outside, a good sign that he's healthy after starting camp on the Physically Unable to Play list.

The Chiefs offense was firing on all cylinders to start the game, and despite the final score and ultimate loss for K.C., the early results showed that there are plenty of fireworks ahead if the line can do its job. Twenty snaps at Arrowhead on Friday night provided the best evidence yet.