Chiefs OL Joe Thuney sees growth from new-look offensive line during preseason
The Kansas City Chiefs’ new-look offensive line has been the talk of the offseason. The signing of top-tier veteran talent like Joe Thuney helped change the complexion of the often criticized group.
Thuney is only two preseason games into his tenure as a member of the Chiefs, and he’s already made a significant impact. He brings his lessons learned from the success in New England to a group that features established veterans and high potential rookies. The former NC State standout is seeing progress in the offensive line’s chemistry during the preseason and the benefits of getting more time together, as he explained at Monday’s press conference.
”Anytime you get a bunch of reps together, it helps with communication and playing together,” said Thuney. “You know what the other guy is seeing and it helps to have those reps together. All five working together. It definitely has a ton of benefits. Like I said, you’re getting the reps together and playing together and trying to see the game the same way. Just getting our communication down so there’s definitely tons we can learn from still and still keep getting better.”
Two 2021 NFL draft picks and a 2020 opt-out join Thuney on the starting offensive line for Kansas City. The young players in the unit have garnered plenty of attention in training camp. Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith and Lucas Niang along with Thuney and Orlando Brown Jr. are set to get their first taste of what it’s like to play in front of the home crowd at Arrowhead Stadium.
”I don’t think it’s the most common thing to have, you know, three, rookies starting or anything, but I think they’ve done a great job,” said Thuney. “You know, I think we’re all just trying to continue to get better, and just everyone lean on each other, and you just keep working to be the best we can be. I can’t wait for it (stadium) to be filled up, and you know, it’s such a loud stadium. I’m excited to, you know, be on the home sideline and feel the Chiefs kingdom, and I can’t wait. Yeah, I’m excited.”
The veteran offensive guard is well aware that he will be looked upon as a leader on the line regardless of his first season with the club. Thuney is very optimistic about what the group can accomplish this season and is excited about the already established chemistry.
“Overall, as an offensive line, I think there’s some great plays out there, but there’s always room to improve,” said Thuney. “It’s early still, it’s still in the preseason, but we just want to keep working together and keep grinding. I mean the young guys have done a great job getting in the playbook and working together. Like I said, I think no one is satisfied, and everyone wants to keep getting better and keep working to improve.”
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