Tag: Joe Thuney

Chiefs OL Joe Thuney comments on position change vs. Browns: ‘Truly was a team effort’

Kansas City #Chiefs OL Joe Thuney comments on position change vs. Cleveland #Browns: ‘Truly was a team effort’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Thuney spoke with reporters Sunday after the 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns. He addressed his surprising start at left tackle instead of his usual guard spot in place of D.J. Humphries.

“It felt good, and my coaches have done a great job preparing this for me all week,” said Thuney. “I have a lot of good guys, tight ends and running backs, around me, so they helped me with calls. Mike [Caliendo] was great at left guard, and it truly was a team effort to win and help be my best at guard.”

Thuney was tasked with slowing down Myles Garrett throughout the game as he held the pass rusher without a sack.

“It was a total team effort to block him. There was a lot of great chips and help from people like Mike [Caliendo],” said Thuney. “He was great in helping me as needed. It was a good team effort with good technique, and I went out there and did the best I could.”

Humphries could return next week for the Houston Texans’ matchup, depending on his hamstring. If Thuney can handle the new role for an extended period, he may not need to rush.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid on decision to start Joe Thuney at left tackle: ‘I just felt comfortable’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on decision to start Joe Thuney at left tackle: ‘I just felt comfortable’ | @EdEastonJr

The starting left tackle position has been an issue for the Kansas City Chiefs all season as they pursue the top spot in the AFC. The topic took another turn in the Week 15 victory over the Cleveland Browns as a new starter took the spot following the injury to D.J. Humphries.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid moved All-Pro guard Joe Thuney over to left tackle on Sunday as he battled with the reigning defensive player of the year, Myles Garrett. Mike Caliendo filled in for Thuney at his typical guard spot, leaving Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia on the sidelines.

“I thought Joe (Thuney) – I asked him to play left tackle, and he hasn’t done that since college – got out there and really did a nice job against one of the best defensive ends in the game right now,” said Reid to reporters during his postgame press conference. “Then (Mike) Caliendo, what a great experience that is for him to get out there and see a full game. That’s going to help him down the road and us down the road, so I appreciate it. As far as any changes or any of that, we’ll just see going forward how things go on the offensive line.”

Thuney held up well against Garrett as the Chiefs could limit his pressures during the game to less than his usual production. Reid further explained his decision on Thunrey at left tackle, not his young linemen.

“Well, the injury on D.J. (Humphries), and then Joe (Thuney) had taken a couple of snaps there last week, and I just felt comfortable as a veteran player,” said Reid. “I scouted him as a tackle, knowing he could get out there and battle. He’s been an All-Pro for two other positions, so give him a chance at the tackle spot.”

The Chiefs return to the field on Saturday against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium with questions regarding their plans at left tackle, assuming Humphries is healthy enough to play.

Chiefs vs. Browns: Patrick Mahomes calls for help after Myles Garrett injury

#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was quick to respond when #Browns DL Myles Garrett was hurt during Kansas City’s Week 15 matchup against Cleveland.

An injury scare involving star pass rusher Myles Garrett marred the first half of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 15 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

With about five minutes remaining in the second quarter, Garrett went down after what seemed like an innocuous play, throwing his helmet to the ground before collapsing on the turf.

Garrett was blocked by Chiefs lineman Joe Thuney and was clearly in pain after sustaining incidental contact on or around the left side of his helmet.

It wasn’t immediately clear what happened to Garrett. A slow-motion replay of the down didn’t seem to show that Thuney had poked Garrett in the eye, and the contact to the helmet looked to be relatively minor.

Patrick Mahomes rushed to Garrett’s side when he saw the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year was down on the field, and immediately urged medical personnel to tend to the veteran sack-master after the play.

Stay tuned for a better explanation of what happened to Garrett during the play.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid provides clarity regarding his options at left tackle: ‘We’ll see how it goes’

Kansas City #Chiefs HC Andy Reid provides clarity regarding his options at left tackle: ‘We’ll see how it goes’ | @EdEastonJr

The ongoing debate regarding when the Kansas City Chiefs should insert veteran D.J. Humphries in the starting lineup has become a hot topic as the team marches toward another postseason. Head coach Andy Reid spoke with reporters on Wednesday, revealing his mindset regarding the decision.

“(Humphries and Thuney) are veteran guys that we have an option to put in there. So, kind of banking on that,” said Reid. “Wanya (Morris) and Kingsley (Suamataia) have taken most of the snaps, and D.J. (Humphries) hasn’t played (in 2024), other than the (eight) years before this,” the Chiefs HC went on, reiterating: “So, we’re banking on that part of it with a couple of those guys, that veteran part of it can step in there and take care of it.”

Thuney notably stepped in at left tackle for Morris to finish last week’s victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Humphries has been practicing with the team and could be an option as early as this Sunday night against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“I think, eventually, you want to get somebody in there that does a good job and really can stay in there and be that guy as we develop the young guys; you’re going to have some hiccups, we know that we knew that going in,” said Reid. “But we’ll see if D.J. (Humphries) can do that. (Either) he can do it; if he can’t, he can’t. So, we’ll see how it goes.”

This Sunday’s game could clinch another AFC West division crown for Kansas City, as many will wait and see who will start at left tackle.

Chiefs OL Joe Thuney comments on potential snaps at left tackle: ‘Doesn’t bother me’

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Thuney comments on potential snaps at left tackle: ‘Doesn’t bother me’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro offensive guard Joe Thuney has earned respect around the league for his consistency and dominance at his position. On Thursday, he addressed reporters commenting on possibly playing some games at left tackle.

“I mean, whatever the team needs, whatever is required, doesn’t bother me,” said Thuney. “It’s not like I’m just relying on the past reps or training and stuff, but just, whatever is needed by the team, and (I’m) happy to do (it), and just, yeah.”

The Chiefs have dealt with struggles from the starting left tackle position all season with Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia. The two young offensive linemen have been swapping in and out, trying to find a successful formula. The veteran Thuney could be a potential option, primarily as the postseason draws closer.

“I think there’s a lot more space out on the edge to tackle, and the top players you’re blocking are different than the interior,” said Thuney. “So just kind of different, just got to be comfortable out there, but it’s just you still playing offensive line, so you still got to go back to the fundamentals, but yeah.”

Thuney is having another strong season on the interior offensive line, but a move to tackle if things don’t improve could be crucial to Kansas City’s three-peat hopes.

Chiefs star celebrates 32nd birthday ahead of Week 12 matchup vs. Panthers

#Chiefs OL Joe Thuney celebrated his 32nd birthday on Monday ahead of Kansas City’s Week 12 matchup against the Carolina #Panthers.

The Kansas City Chiefs have relied on their offensive line to keep Patrick Mahomes on his feet, and on Monday, one member of the team’s front five celebrated a birthday.

Veteran guard Joe Thuney was the latest player to earn a birthday shoutout from the Chiefs on Twitter after Kansas City’s disappointing loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Thuney turned 32 years old, and he has a lot to celebrate as a four-time Super Bowl champion.

The former NC State Wolfpack star entered the league as a third-round pick of the New England Patriots in the 2016 NFL draft and signed with the Chiefs as a free agent in 2021 after Kansas City’s loss in Super Bowl LV.

Expect Thuney to continue making his presence felt in Week 12 when the Chiefs travel down South to face the Carolina Panthers with a chance to earn their tenth win of the regular season and maintain their spot as the AFC’s top team by record.

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 OL dominates Pro Football Focus’ ‘Midseason All-Pro’ team

Three #Chiefs offensive linemen were named to Pro Football Focus’ ‘Midseason All-Pro’ team this week.

The Kansas City Chiefs are the hottest team in football and seem poised to complete the NFL’s first-ever Super Bowl three-peat after getting off to a 7-0 start in the regular season.

Through eight weeks, it seems the only thing holding the undefeated Chiefs back is its offense, which has gotten off to a relatively slow start to its 2024 campaign.

Despite the unit’s deficiencies, the experts at Pro Football Focus seem pleased with what they’ve seen from Andy Reid’s offensive lineman in Kansas City’s first seven games.

This week, PFF named three Chiefs linemen — Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith — to its ‘Midseason All-Pro’ team:

 

Though this achievement isn’t necessarily an indication that these players will be contenders for the Associated Press All-Pro team at the end of the season, it is certainly a breath of fresh air amid the Chiefs’ offensive struggles.

Stay tuned to see if Thuney, Humphrey, and Smith can keep up their outstanding efforts to earn official All-Pro honors in January.

Chiefs interior offensive linemen receive high ratings in ‘Madden NFL 25’

Kansas City #Chiefs interior offensive linemen receive high ratings in ‘Madden NFL 25’ | @EdEastonJr

The accolades for the Kansas City Chiefs are rolling in from their 2023 Super Bowl-winning season. The upcoming release of Madden NFL 25 will feature high grades for the team’s interior offensive line.

Joe Thuney (91), Creed Humphrey (92), and Trey Smith (90) are the offensive line starters who each receive 90 or better overall ratings. The two guards and center were rewarded for exceptional play last season, while the tackles didn’t make the 90-plus ranking for this season.

Thuney and Humphrey were both voted Pro Bowlers last season, with the veteran left guard earning an All-Pro selection. Smith has yet to make a Pro Bowl but has earned a reputation as one of the better guards in the league, and his new rating further supports that assessment.

Another notable Chiefs star’s rating that was recently revealed is All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, with a 97. In the upcoming game, he will enter the new season as the highest-rated defensive tackle. ‘Madden NFL 25’ will be released on August 16th and is available for pre-order now.

Here’s where Chiefs OL Joe Thuney ranks outside the ‘NFL Top 100’ list

Here’s where Kansas City #Chiefs OL Joe Thuney ranks outside the ‘NFL Top 100’ list | @EdEastonJr

The annual NFL Top 100 list, voted by the players, is a ranking everyone looks forward to and sets the bar for the upcoming season. The Kansas City Chiefs have regularly featured multiple players on the list in previous years.

Chiefs starting offensive guard Joe Thuney was mentioned in this year’s program but only for missing out on making the list. The multiple-time Super Bowl champion ranked 101st, sitting just outside the top 100 list. In his recorded testimonial, Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom spoke highly of the Chiefs All-Pro.

“He’s phenomenal (and) a really good technician, so he drops back the way he does.” said Lindstrom. “and I just love and respect the way he plays.”

Thuney’s late-season injury last year may have affected his ranking, as he was forced to miss the rest of the Super Bowl run. The pectoral injury is healed as he was cleared to return to practice a few days ago at training camp.

Thuney just missing out on the top 100 is disappointing, but it’s interesting that he only lost out by one spot. The decision could be used as fuel for the veteran offensive lineman heading into the 2024 season.