The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line has been rock solid when protecting Patrick Mahomes this season, and the play of one lineman, in particular, seems to have caught the eyes of the analysts at Pro Football Focus.
Donovan Smith put together one of his best performances of the season in Kansas City’s Week 9 win over the Miami Dolphins, managing to keep from allowing a single quarterback pressure, hit, or sack in the game.
Donovan Smith vs. the Dolphins: first game this season without allowing a single QB pressure, hit or sack 📈 pic.twitter.com/t4HgxjOzaS
— PFF KC Chiefs (@PFF_Chiefs) November 6, 2023
While Smith’s play has been trending upward, the Chiefs’ offense still has plenty of work to do to get back into championship-caliber form ahead of the 2023 playoffs. Mahomes has had adequate protection when he drops back in the pocket, thanks to the play of Smith and Kansas City’s other linemen, but hasn’t yet figured out how to regain the edge that he has played with in previous seasons.
Expect Smith to continue paving the way for Mahomes’ return to form when the Chiefs play against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11.