Double Tusk: The Chiefs Need to Get There

David Bell

Funny Not Funny

Funny about the Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Tackles. Think back to when we appreciated Eric Fisher and added Mitch Schwartz. We fans thought we were sitting in high-clover. Then, poof… both players were gone. Not having Fish and Mitch meant that QB Patrick Mahomes was shooting blanks in Super Bowl XLV, which Tom Brady won by a hefty margin. That game, more than others of recent memory, demonstrates why OTs are such a crucial position along the line. It did my heart wonders watching the mighty Brady fall Monday night. Getting two top-tier OTs will never be as simple as: “Oh, well, We’ll, Just sign another free agent.” Nor is it as simple as: “Oh, well, we’ll draft the guy who will be wonderful as a starter in that player’s year one.” That’s just not how it works.

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Remember, We Need Tusk, Times Two

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The unfortunate ending to having very good book-end OTs, is part of this view of the Chiefs and their OT situation.

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Orlando Brown, Jr.

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Laddie commented Tuesday morning about LT Orlando Brown Jr. the following truism:

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“He’s not as bad as we think he is… but…

he’s not as good as he thinks he is either.”

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So, either Brown is better than we fans think, which I believe to be the truth, or the NFL Players who voted for him vis-a-vis the Pro Bowl are horribly wrong, which means fans are not correct in their assessment of Orlando Brown. The more expert the analysis comes from the players who face Brown on the grass.

Right Offensive Tackle, 2022

After all, the Chiefs went through the season with Andrew Wylie at Right Offensive Tackle. Lucas Niang still hasn’t shown us he is a good bet for the future. I had believed in 2021 that Niang would become the franchise ROT of the future and I had projected that he would so become.

Money is Money

If an above-average, experienced Offensive Tackle costs $15M-16M and a tag for Brown costs $20M+, Veach will tender an offer to Brown for a multi-year deal–not as hefty, perhaps as 2022, but it will be a good offer. If Brown does not accept, he will get tagged again. Remember last year? It wasn’t an exclusive Tag. No one outdid the Chief’s Tag amount.

Lucas Niang

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Nor can I say that my faith and assurance in Lucas Niang was well founded, though my study of his workout tape and then the 2021 season game film educated me that I was right. Consequently, Niang not being able to get back in 2022 was disappointing. Patellar Tendon injuries are notoriously difficult to heal. Apparently, Lucas ran into that brick wall, and even after returning to active status, he hasn’t been able to break through to acquire his former starting role. I might as well cue up: “Tusk!” (from the Fleetwood Mac double Album with the USC Trojan Marching Band (1979). A production (How it was celebrated on Stage):

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Below is the collaboration at Dodger Stadium — Chavez Ravine — the kids from USC are now in their 60s, and the members of Fleetwood Mac are in their 80s.

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Sheesh, we are getting old, eh? Forgive me; I was drifting back in time and recalled this album, which was added to my collection of Vinyl of that era.

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Andrew Wylie and Others

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I think, unlike many fans and observers, Andrew Wylie, is not a lousy Offensive Tackle. On the other hand, I realize that Andrew Wylie’s starting days for the Chiefs should end on February 13th. That is not to say that Andrew Wylie is a lousy player. That is not true either. He should be retained as a Depth Player on the roster. He is a solid enough OT for that assignment. I can see that Brett Veach could possibly draft a second OT in 2023 to add to the mix as a depth player (at the very least). Keep in mind the roster also boasts Prince Tega Wanogho and Darian Kinnard. Unfortunately, the Geron Christian was exposed to PS roster theft and departed thus to the Dolphins. So it goes. Geron was placed on the PS to make room for Mecole Hardman’s return to the active roster. I did have hopes for Christian since I had seen him play for the Texans here in Houston.

The 2023 Draft

Drafting an OT would seem to me to be a necessity to cover all the exposures. Such a draft pick need not become an immediate starter. That player could train up and break in. However, here I am, anticipating that Lucas Niang gets back to the good ole days of his 2021 starts, and Andrew Wylie then backs that construct up. So I don’t believe the Chiefs are between a rock and a hard place about the OTs. I think there is work that must get done by our GM and front office dealing with OB Jr., and Brett Veach must also address obtaining the fitting addition in the 2023 draft.

No, I do not see a trade for an OT or a F/A signing as likely.

What Injuries in 2021 Were Costly

We observers, fans, and amateur analysts need to hearken back to the early days of Eric Fisher’s career here in K.C.. Fish had constant criticism for being an inept LOT. By his year three, that noise subsided, and the Chiefs then had acquired ROT Mitchell Schwartz. Everything was coming up roses… but… then the bottom fell out. My point about this final view is that Fish became a far better OT than most fans thought he’d ever be.

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Eric Fisher didn’t have a swelled head either, which made us appreciate him even more. Mitch was a superb acquisition. It hurt the team to lose them both in the same season due to injuries.

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Mitch never made it back to football(back injury). Eric Fisher has not regained his former form. The release of both players was the right thing for GM Brett Veach to do. The resulting answer was to seek Orlando Brown, Jr., which Brett Veach did, failing to nudge Frisco’s Trent Williams(Sooner Alum) into the Kingdom.

In Brief: Backwards and Forwards

My brief is not intended to be a circular debate. From what I can see, the observations are totally relevant about the Chiefs Offensive Tackles, along with a brief history and a cursory examination of the players involved. It might seem that the Chiefs have jumped from one crucible to another. Merely getting rid of Andrew Wylie is not a solution. I have no idea how good Darian Kinnard can be. Although, I did have good vibes when he was drafted.

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The goal is to regain the stability of two quality players starting at the offensive tackle positions —> Orlando Brown, Jr., part one of the solution, like it or not. Unfortunately, I am no longer entirely optimistic that Lucas Niang can return to his old self and be the 2nd piece of the puzzle. However, I will defer to my outlook in 2020 and 2021. If Lucas can get back into playing form, he will become part of the solution.

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I am sure that GM Brett Veach will use one of his first three picks to obtain a good Offensive Tackle in the draft. Which pick will be used becomes the question. I am also keeping in mind the IOL… and… Joe Thuney’s age and contract keep getting longer in the tusk… I mean, tooth.

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David Bell — ArrowheadOne

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