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The Kansas City Chiefs were victorious in Week 1 against a tough Cleveland Browns team — one that had them down by two scores late in the game. The superstar trio of Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce overcame the deficit to clinch the win, with Mahomes earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors in his performance.
Coming into the game, the spotlight was heavily set on the Chiefs’ revamped offensive line. It was the first time taking the new offensive line out for a test drive in a meaningful NFL game. That includes a new pair of bookend tackles who are tasked with keeping Mahomes clean during the game.
Orlando Brown Jr. made his debut with Kansas City, while Lucas Niang made his first official NFL start after spending the 2020 season away from football. On Thursday, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy took time with reporters to share his first impressions of the team’s new starting offensive tackles after Week 1.
“I thought they played hard,” said Bieniemy. “I thought they competed. One thing when you’re playing in your first game is it’s never perfect, but you know what, I thought our guys did a great job of just fighting, every opportunity that they had. And when it was all said and done with, we gave ourselves an opportunity to win, and that’s the thing that I’m proud of. And you know how I roll, it doesn’t make a difference what numbers guys put out there; the only thing that matters are the alphabets—we found a way to come home with a W, and that’s all that matters.”
Brown is a proven Pro Bowl talent but had many questions about his effectiveness as a full-time left tackle after his trade to Kansas City. Niang’s lack of experience was also a gamble, but the Chiefs coaching staff couldn’t overlook his impressive size and potential. Ultimately, they expect some growth and learning experiences along the way with both players.
“Just because of the chemistry they’ve developed, those guys understand the importance of being on the same page,” Bieniemy explained. “There are some little things that I know Coach Heck is tweaking and making sure that these guys will be sound, but when it’s all said and done with, these guys will learn through their experiences. And sometimes those experiences aren’t always the best ones, but it’s the negative ones that have an impact on you and help you to grow together.”
The Chiefs’ new offensive tackle duo will face another challenge on Sunday night, matching up against a blitz-happy Baltimore Ravens defense. The objective of keeping Mahomes clean again this week will be vital if they are to begin this season 2-0.
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