D.J. Humphries’ shaky performance sparks doubts about his playoff reliability for the Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for another playoff run, aiming for a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance. With their first game two weeks away, the team has critical decisions to make—none more pressing than solidifying their offensive line. Among the key considerations is whether D.J. Humphries is the right choice at left tackle or if the team should stick with All-Pro guard Joe Thuney in that role.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The Chiefs, having already clinched the top seed in the AFC, used their Week 18 game against the Denver Broncos to rest most of their starters. Despite a 38–0 loss, the spotlight fell squarely on Humphries, who needed to prove he could handle the left tackle position.
Left Tackle Woes: A Season-Long Problem
The left tackle position has been a thorn in the Chiefs’ side all season. The combination of Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris struggled significantly, leaving quarterback Patrick Mahomes visibly uncomfortable in the pocket. The lack of protection disrupted Mahomes’ rhythm and forced him into early scrambles, hampering the Chiefs’ offensive efficiency.
To address the issue, the Chiefs signed Humphries midseason after he recovered from a major knee injury. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury in his debut sidelined him for several weeks, forcing Thuney to step in as an emergency left tackle. While not a natural fit, Thuney’s steady play, combined with strategic support from chips and play-calling, stabilized the position. The result? Mahomes regained his confidence, and the offense began firing on all cylinders.
Humphries’ Mixed Performance in Week 18
With the playoffs approaching, the Chiefs hoped Humphries could reclaim the left tackle role and allow Thuney to return to his natural position at guard. In the first half against the Broncos, Humphries showed promise. He allowed only one pressure on 14 passing plays and delivered several solid run-blocking reps. His performance appeared to validate the Chiefs’ faith in his abilities.
However, the second half told a different story. Humphries struggled against Denver’s Nik Bonitto, a speed rusher who notched 13.5 sacks this season. Humphries allowed four clear pass-rush losses, including a sack, and looked overwhelmed at times. These lapses brought back memories of the Chiefs’ earlier struggles with Suamataia and Morris, raising doubts about Humphries’ playoff readiness.
Weighing the Options: Humphries or Thuney?
The Chiefs now face a dilemma. Do they start Humphries at left tackle and hope his performance improves with tailored support, or stick with Thuney, who has already proven he can stabilize the line? The decision hinges not just on skill but on Mahomes’ trust in his blindside protection.
While Thuney’s move to left tackle has been a patchwork solution, it has been effective. The offense thrived with Thuney in place, particularly in the final games against the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers, where the Chiefs looked their sharpest all season. Mahomes appeared comfortable, and the return of key playmakers like Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy added firepower.
On the other hand, starting Humphries would allow Thuney to return to guard, strengthening the interior line. If the coaching staff believes they can provide Humphries the same level of support they did for Thuney, it might justify giving him the nod. However, if his second-half struggles against Denver are seen as a liability, the Chiefs may prioritize continuity over potential.
Trust Is the X-Factor
Ultimately, this decision may come down to trust—specifically, Mahomes’ trust in his protection. Even if Humphries and Thuney perform at a similar level, Mahomes’ confidence in his pocket security will dictate the offense’s effectiveness. The Chiefs cannot afford to disrupt the rhythm they found late in the season, especially with a long break before their playoff opener.
A Silver Lining for the Chiefs
While Humphries’ Week 18 performance left questions unanswered, the Chiefs are fortunate to have options. Thuney has proven he can hold the fort at left tackle if necessary, ensuring the offense remains productive. Meanwhile, Humphries, despite his struggles, showed glimpses of potential that could be harnessed with the right game plan.
