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The top priority during the offseason for Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach was to revamp the offensive line. After a well-known collapse during the Super Bowl defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it was evident that a good line can determine this team’s fate regardless of the weapons and play of former MVP QB Patrick Mahomes.
An essential addition to the line was former New England Patriots All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney. Thuney enters his first season in Kansas City to anchor a rebuilt unit featuring high-value veterans and promising rookies. The former NC State standout spoke about the offensive line’s chemistry and impressive pair of rookies during Wednesday’s press conference.
“The O-Line is a great group,” said Thuney. “We hang out a lot off the field, in the locker room, always talking, laughing, joking, so they’re a great group. A lot of great guys. Being out here in kind of an isolated bubble. it’s great to spend a lot of time with the guys and just keep building every day.”
Thuney has quickly taken to the mentorship role with the Chiefs two rookie offensive line additions from this past April’s NFL Draft. Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey are expected to see plenty of action this season, and Thuney had plenty to say about the duo.
”He’s really strong (Trey Smith), he’s physical, he’s smart, he studies his playbook really hard,” said Thuney. “Everyone is communicating up there on the O-Line, but he’s doing a great job, and yeah, it’s just great to be part of this group.”
Thuney also reflected on Humphrey’s communication under center with Mahomes developing from OTAs to training camp.
”OTA’s were great to get a lot of reps in and a lot of time in with the offense as a whole,” said Thuney. “Day one out here went well, and I think we’re just going to keep building. They’re doing a great job, Creed (Humphrey) is also is in his playbook a lot, and Patrick (Mahomes) knows so much, so it’s just been great.”
The veteran guard also had to take some time to acknowledge Orlando Brown Jr., his new running mate at left tackle in Kansas City.
“He’s great — he’s a great player,” said Thuney. “Being on the left side, playing next to him, we’re always talking about what we’re seeing out there. How we’re approaching things. Coach Heck has done a great job of giving us great coaching points and pointing us in the right direction. It’s been great playing with him.”
The Chiefs look to keep developing the young talent and building chemistry on the offensive line as training camp progresses.
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