What's Happening?
Josh Simmons, the Kansas City Chiefs' rookie left tackle, made his professional debut during the team's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Despite the Chiefs losing 20-17, Simmons demonstrated his potential in pass protection during his limited playtime. He effectively handled edge rushers with powerful steps and hip sinks, showcasing his fundamentals and explosiveness. However, Simmons also experienced a setback when he missed wide with his hands, allowing the edge rusher to gain control. Despite this, he managed to recover and regain leverage, highlighting his ability to adapt under pressure.
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Why It's Important?
Simmons' performance is crucial for the Chiefs as they look to strengthen their offensive line ahead of the regular season. His ability to recover from mistakes and demonstrate strong fundamentals suggests he could be a valuable asset. As a first-round pick from Ohio State, expectations are high, and his development could significantly impact the team's offensive strategy. The Chiefs' ability to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes is vital for their success, and Simmons' growth could play a key role in achieving this.
What's Next?
Simmons and the Chiefs are expected to face the Seattle Seahawks in their next preseason game, where he will likely receive more playing time. This will provide further opportunities to assess his capabilities and integrate him into the team's offensive plans. The coaching staff will be looking for continued improvement and consistency in his performance as they prepare for the regular season.
