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With five new starters on the offensive line for the Kansas City Chiefs have had their share of adversity to start the season. Their offseason additions, particularly the two rookies in the middle, have looked great at times, but sitting at a 3-3 record heading into Week 7, every unit can pull a little harder to get back into the AFC playoff picture.
One of the most important constants on the line has been veteran tackle Mike Remmers, who played a big role in the offense last year despite some struggles in the Super Bowl. He recorded his first snaps of the new season last week in Washington and looked serviceable in relief of first-year starter Lucas Niang.
Remmers spoke to reporters on Wednesday about his role as the most senior player on Kansas City’s line, saying he feels the yeoman’s performances of the younger talent makes him feel they are more experienced than their age would let on.
“You know what, we’ve got a lot of young guys, but they don’t act like young guys,” Remmer said. “They’re wiser than their age, so it’s been a lot of fun. We’ve got a great group. I’m really proud of this group and proud to be a part of it. I thought everyone battled their tails off last week, and we’ve been doing it all season.”
Despite a decrease in playing time and a less consistent role in the offense drive-to-drive, Remmers emphasized his faith in preparation to be ready to play at any moment in any position. His role with the Chiefs this season could see him play at either of the tackle spots, and Remmers isn’t discounting any possibility as Kansas City’s swing tackle.
“I’ve been starting for a while now, so it was just kind of a different role starting out,” He explained of his new part in the offense. “As a backup you’ve got to be ready at any moment at multiple positions. So, you’ve got to watch film on right side, left side.
“You’ve got to take practice reps at left and right side, and you can go in any play, so you have to be ready at all times. So, I’ve been keeping my mind active and physically working both ways and just doing what I can to make the practice as much of a game-like situation.”
A veteran presence such as Remmers has a way of buoying a unit in need of stability. Though maybe not the flashiest offensive lineman in the NFL, he has carved out a nearly ten-year career as an undrafted and often underrated player at one of football’s hardest positions to play.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy explained what the team gains by having Remmers return to the starting lineup.
“Here’s what you gain, you gain a veteran who has been in the league for a number of years,” Bieniemy said. “On top of that, Mike Remmers has been with us now for a few years and he understands the system. There’s also something that takes place upfront. Those guys have got to do a great job of over-communicating with one another. With Remmers in there, he’s going to help Trey (Smith) to get better because now he’s over-communicating the necessary information back-and-forth to one another.
“The best thing about that is, now Lucas (Niang) has the opportunity to sit and observe and watch in practice. Watching how Remmers is handling certain situations that present itself. I think it’s a great opportunity for Remmers, but on top of that too, it is teaching Lucas all the ins and outs on how to become a better professional.”
Kansas City’s youth movement upfront is an investment that will pay off in time, but in the near future, it looks like they’ll lean on Remmers’ solid play and veteran wisdom. In turn, the Chiefs expect the play on the right side of the line to improve in the short term, while Niang gets the necessary experience to be a better professional.
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