Tag: interior offensive line

Chiefs OL Trey Smith explains offense’s approach in late game situations: ‘It requires elite focus’

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive guard Trey Smith explains offense’s approach in late game situations: ‘It requires elite focus’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs were able to hang on and defeat the Carolina Panthers in Week 12, but not without another memorable drive led by Patrick Mahomes. Starting offensive guard Trey Smith spoke with reporters on Monday via Zoom about the offense’s mindset during those late game-winning moments.

“I just think the approach is pretty much the same. Just trying to be as
focused and (as) locked in at the moment, understanding what you need to do at your job and what’s required for your job in that situation. I think it requires elite focus to understand the task at hand.” said Smith. “You have a great operator in Patrick Mahomes who’s going to coordinate everyone and get everything finely tuned the way (that) we need it to be. At the end of the day, if we all can just focus on our single role, you know, playing together – football’s the ultimate team sport. If we all focus on our singular goal and objective, then we’ll be able to accomplish our goals and be successful.”

Smith praised Mahomes’ leadership in these moments. His 34-yard scramble on Sunday almost single-handedly set up Spencer Shrader’s game-winning field goal attempt. The offense continues to find ways to win games regardless of the lack of productivity compared to past seasons.

Chiefs OL Trey Smith describes playing in Buffalo: ‘It’s crazy out there’

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith describes playing in Buffalo surrounded by #Bills Mafia: ‘It’s crazy out there’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round last postseason on their way to Super Bowl LVIII. The Buffalo victory surprised many critics but firmly eliminated the notion that they couldn’t win away from Arrowhead Stadium.

Starting offensive right guard, Trey Smith spoke to reporters on Thursday about the atmosphere in Buffalo during their last matchup in January.

“Yeah, Buffalo, the fans definitely brought it. It’s a great environment. I have a lot of respect for that team and that organization, and you can sense their fans’ passion. I mean, I remember pulling up on the bus, throwing snowballs and stuff at us, jumping on the tables. It’s crazy out there.” said Smith. “It’s a great fan base. It’s going to be a good challenge. Like I said, have a great game day environment and some great fans.”

Smith and the Chiefs greatly respect the Bills and understand the importance of this Sunday’s game. Before their postseason matchup, the two teams met during the regular season in Kansas City, with the Bills prevailing following the infamous offensive offsides call on Kadarius Toney in the fourth quarter.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid comments on the offensive line’s progress: ‘They’re good players’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid comments on the offensive line’s progress: ‘They’re good players’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed his offensive line during Wednesday’s press conference, focusing on the game packages featuring extra offensive tackles recently required to be eligible as receivers.

“So, our called player was 64 (Wanya Morris), so we could sub Kingsley (Suamataia) out. When we put Mike (Caliendo) in, and Mike could come in – you have to sub the guy out – the called player,” said Reid. “So, to do what we were trying to do, you had to make that move, but I mean, it shows you the trust that we have in Kingsley, too, because we came in and threw the ball. It didn’t matter what the play was. We have two good young guys. They’re getting better as we go.”

Reid has rarely had an issue regarding his highly praised interior offensive line, as each player is dominant in their roles with All-Pro accolades.

“Well, they’re (Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey, and Joe Thuney) all best buddies; they’re always together. They’re good players, and they work at it. They’ve played together long enough where they kind of know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and cover up the weakness with each other’s strengths.” said Reid. “Again, these challenges that we had – and this week won’t be any different. Their (Denver Broncos) inside guys are great, so it’ll be another big challenge for those inside three to execute. Just like last week was, that was a big challenge. They’re good friends, they spend a lot of time together, they study, they’re smart guys.”

The offensive line’s play has dramatically benefited the running game, as Kansas City remains one of the league’s better-rushing teams. The rotation of running backs due to injury hasn’t affected the on-field production, with Kareem Hunt quickly emerging as a standout in the group this season.

Chiefs C Creed Humphrey praises four-year teammate: ‘The most physical lineman in the league’

Kansas City #Chiefs center Creed Humphrey praises right guard Trey Smith: ‘The most physical lineman in the league’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ interior offensive line has earned respect around the league for their efficiency and dominance in the trenches. Pro Bowl center Creed Humphrey spoke highly of another unit member, right guard Trey Smith, during Thursday’s press conference.

“He’s (Trey Smith) probably the most physical lineman in the league. He loves getting after guys, putting guys on the ground, getting after him,” said Humphrey. “So just, the physicality that it brings, and also, the mental prep that he does throughout the week to be able to see things before it’s happening, pre-snap, post-snap, what’s happening, all those things, he does a great job with it. He understands schemes and concepts well and what we’re trying to do against what the defense has given us.”

Smith remains one of the highest-rated guards in the league but has yet to make a Pro Bowl team. He brings a unique energy to the offensive line unit, leaving a physical impression on opponents and inspiring teammates.

“Yeah, it fires us up and makes everybody else play with that much more of an edge. When you see it in the film, you see your guy doing that. It’s kind of infectious.” said Humphrey. “It makes you want to do it too, and it kind of turns into a competition so you can do it the most on the field. Trey (Smith) usually wins, but it turns into a competition, and he just does a great job; he brings so much energy to the room and gets guys fired up, so it’s a lot of fun to play with him.”

The 2021 sixth-round draft pick has plenty of footage of lifting defenders while blocking, which has added to his popularity around the league.

Chiefs OL Trey Smith talks about team culture under Andy Reid: ‘They let us be ourselves’

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive guard Trey Smith talks about team culture under Andy Reid: ‘They let us be ourselves’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are undefeated to start the season and have found various ways to win. Each player spent their bye week in different ways to stay motivated for the stretch run.

Chiefs right guard Trey Smith recently appeared on the Everything Orange podcast to discuss the franchise’s culture under head coach Andy Reid.

“Our team culture is so unique, Coach Reid; every time we break it down Saturday before our games in the hotel, he always says, ‘Hey, don’t forget, let your personalities show.’ They let us be ourselves in that building.” said Smith. “I think that’s so important. We’re having fun out there. Obviously, we’re grown men who are trying to get a job done. But at the end of the day, we know we’re having fun beating up people. We’re going to have fun doing it every single time. It’s really special.”

Since Reid took over as head coach, the Chiefs have maintained a winning mindset rooted in preparation. Smith remains an essential part of the offensive line, earning a reputation for being part of the best interior group in the league.

Wisconsin top class of 2025 offensive line target cancels pair of official visits

Wisconsin top class of 2025 offensive line target cancels pair of official visits

Wisconsin top class of 2025 interior offensive line target Hardy Watts canceled official visits to Boston College and Duke on Monday.

Having just wrapped up his official visit weekend with the Badgers, Watts was slated to visit Duke this coming weekend and BC at some point in June. He took an official visit to Clemson on May 31 and will venture to Michigan on June 21.

Wisconsin is now one of three schools to land an official visit with Watts, along with the Tigers and Wolverines. The Badgers extended an offer to Watts in early February.

The top interior offensive lineman is 247Sports’ No. 217 player in the class of 2025, No. 12 iOL and No. 1 recruit from his home state of Massachusetts.

The rising high school senior also holds offers from top programs including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Miami, Michigan State, Nebraska, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas A&M.

 

Wisconsin’s class of 2025 currently ranks No. 13 in the nation with 16 players committed. That number will certainly balloon as official visit season progresses this summer.

If UW were to land a commitment from the top lineman, his potential as a Badger is limitless. Watts could become an instant sensation in Madison with Wisconsin’s track record of producing some of the greatest collegiate and professional linemen in history,

Nonetheless, the group has four offensive tackles committed thus far: three-star Cam Clark, three-star Michael Roeske, three-star Nolan Davenport, and four-star Logan Powell.

What Condition the Position is in: Assessing Raiders level of need at IOL heading into the Draft

What Condition Raiders interior offensive line is in heading into the Draft

With the draft just two weeks away, it’s time to check in on the Raiders’ interior offensive line to give it a condition of either Strong, Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical.

Starters: LG Dylan Parham, C Andre James, RG ?
Depth: Jordan Meredith, Ben Brown

Last season’s starters were Parham, James, and Greg Van Roten. Parham didn’t have a great season, but they will continue to roll with him for now. James was re-signed rather than go into the draft needing two interior linemen. They didn’t bring back Van Roten, leaving an opening at right guard.

Condition: Critical

Notes: They might have moved Parham to center, but that would have meant letting James leave in free agency and finding two new guards. They opted for bringing back James, which was a wise move all things considered. But there is no question whatsoever that getting a guard in this draft has to be a high priority. I would expect them to snag one on day two.

Top 5 offensive guard free agent options for Raiders

5 Guards set to hit free agency who could be just what Raiders need

The Raiders need at guard is two-fold. As in they are going to need two of them. With it increasingly appearing as if the Raiders will let center Andre James leave in free agency, that could signal they will finally be moving Dylan Parham to center, leaving both guard spots in need of a new starter.

It’s said to be a strong class along the offensive line, but in the interest of not using all their picks to fill the OL (they need a tackle too), they would do well to try and get a starter in free agency first and possibly an insurance plan as a potential second starter in case the draft doesn’t fall their way.

These are the top five options to fill those roles.

Ranking the AFC West by interior offensive linemen

How do the teams in the AFC West stack up along the interior offensive line

We move inside to take a look at how the AFC West stacks up on the offensive line. Who are the top maulers and who is lagging behind. Let’s rank them 1-4.

Top 5 Best Guard fits for Raiders in 2023 NFL Draft

Top 5 Draft Guard fits for Raiders

While much of the focus by the Raiders in this draft figures to come on the defensive side of the ball, perhaps no position on the offense is in more need of a major talent than that of the guard position.

The Raiders went after guard with their first pick last season — albeit in the third round — but the work is not done. They must consider looking to upgrade the position on day two and perhaps day three as well.

Here are the top fits for what the Raiders need as I see it.