The Kansas City Chiefs wasted little time addressing a position in need of changes, identifying a much-needed upgrade on the offensive line during the 2021 NFL offseason. The signing of former New England Patriots lineman Joe Thuney opened the flood gates for various moves in hopes of avoiding another troubling end to a Super Bowl run.
The addition of Thuney was impactful because of his championship experience being charged for many years to help protect Tom Brady. He’s a former Pro Bowl player, so he understands the importance of a strong team, as he detailed during Thursday’s press conference.
“The locker room is a really hard-working group,” Thuney said. “I think everyone just wants to try to take steps and make progress, myself included. It’s been great being out on the field with those guys and looking forward to some more of it.”
Thuney was named Second-Team All-Pro in 2019 has been a staple of the Patriots’ title runs since being drafted in 2016. The veteran lineman shared his thoughts on the Chiefs’ team culture and teaming with other prized offensive line acquisition, Orlando Brown Jr.
“Everyone’s been great,” said Thuney. “The organization is top class, everyone’s been so welcoming, I feel great here, really happy to be here. In regards to Orlando, he’s a great guy. We’ve been working together for a little bit of time now, and it’s going well. Just taking it day by day, but he’s a great guy and a really great player and got to take it a day at a time.”
The Chiefs also made a splash in the draft, once again adding to the offensive line with the selection of Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith. Smith could be looked at immediately following the injury of assumed starter Kyle Long. That was also a topic of Thuney’s discussion on Thursday.
“Trey (Smith) works really, really hard,” Thuney said. “He’s just getting into his playbook a lot too. He’s a strong guy, he works hard, and he’s explosive. It’s been fun getting to know him and all the guys. Like I said, just taking it a day at a time.”
The Chiefs’ offensive line will immediately be placed under the microscope following the new additions, but it’s important to keep perspective as Thuney has. They’ll need some time to learn, gel and grow together. The ability to call on a proven veteran like Thuney is a much-needed addition for Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy to help solidify a line with so many new faces.
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