Given the doubt about Joe Thuney’s participation with the Chiefs, his replacement, Nick Allegretti, would be essential in protecting Patrick Mahomes.
LAS VEGAS — When fans of the Kansas City Chiefsthey remember Super Bowl LV, they hold their heads.
Not only because of the resounding defeat suffered at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 31-7, but also because they have nightmares of Patrick Mahomes running through his life from start to finish.
Nick Allegretti AP
That offensive line, true with significant injuries, was dominated from the beginning of the game, and that was the moment in which the Chiefs realized that they had to renew their offensive line and protect their most precious jewel: Patrick Mahomes.
Some names have been changed on the ends, but the interior of the Chiefs’ offensive line has been one of the team’s great strengths for two years now.
Center Creed Humphrey and the guard Trey Smith turned out to be two extraordinary draft picks, while the acquisition of guard Joe Thuney It was absolutely fundamental.
Thuney, who had already been champion twice with the New England Patriots Before arriving in Kansas City, at the time becoming the highest-paid guard in the league, he provided versatility and leadership that this unit needed to finish assembling.
“Joe Thuney has never been given enough credit,” the offensive lineman said. Nick Allegretti. “It is vital to the success of this unit.”
That’s why when Thuney was injured in the Divisional Round against the Buffalo Billsalarms went off in Kansas City.
After all, the Chiefs were about to face the NFL’s best defense in Baltimore, which had led the NFL in sacks, and they wouldn’t have one of their greats in the front five.
The replacement would be none other than Nick Allegretti, who was best known for catching a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelerswhich due to his protection ability, considering that before the game against the Ravens, he had only started 12 games, including the Super Bowl in which Mahomes ran for his life.
However, Allegretti did a phenomenal job against the Ravens and his teammates showered him with praise.
“I was extremely happy that Nick performed the way he did,” Trey Smith said. “It’s a testament to the work he does every day to always be ready if the opportunity comes.”
After rising to the occasion, Allegretti became emotional in the post-game interview against Baltimore on the field.
“This was all thanks to my teammates,” Allegretti said through tears. “They knew I had a challenge ahead of me, and they made sure we were on the same page with communication.”
It was evident that that game meant a lot to Allegretti, especially because after that Super Bowl, many doubted whether he could be a full-time starter.
And while that remains to be seen, he could easily be an X Factor again in this Sunday’s game against the 49ers.
For now, Thuney is officially “questionable” for the game with a pectoral strain, although the chances are high that he won’t be able to play.
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And if it cannot be part of the game, there is greater peace of mind now than in the past.
“I’ll do everything I can to be able to play,” Thuney said. “If I can’t play, Nick has already shown that we are going to be okay with him.”
The 49ers’ defensive front has left a lot to be desired in the playoffs, and they have shown to be somewhat more vulnerable to the running attack, which is why the interior of the Chiefs’ offensive line could be more important than ever, not only for the protection, but more than anything to impose his will on land.
Sunday will represent the fourth Super Bowl in which Nick Allegretti will be present. And although he has only started four playoff games in his career, the importance and peace of mind that he brings to his teammates is evident, should it be his turn to play.
“Nick Allegretti is synonymous with guarantee,” concluded the tight end Travis Kelce. “You can always depend on him, he comes from playing like a champion, and we wouldn’t be here without him.”
2024-02-09 00:15:00
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