Kansas City’s right guard Trey Smith just snagged the new NFL “Protector of the Year” award at the Chiefs’ midseason awards, and it is a massive statement about their revitalized run game. The guy has been a rock, playing an incredible 506 out of 510 possible snaps and starting every single one of their eight games this season. When you talk about impact players on the offensive line, Smith is absolutely in the conversation after this first half of the season.
Smith’s Ironclad Consistency Elevates the Run Game
Smith’s presence up front is not just about showing up; it is about performance that shifts games. The Chiefs’ run game has seen a serious jolt, and Smith is a key reason why. They are now ranked 10th in ESPN’s run-block win rate, clocking in at 74%. That is a solid number, especially when you consider the unit has had to deal with starting left guard Kingsley Suamataia getting benched in two games. Smith has been the anchor, bringing an intensity that is the “cherry on top” of his already super reliable play. He is not a perfect blocker, sure, but he is without a doubt Kansas City’s most consistent offensive lineman in a year where that unit’s depth is seriously getting put to the test.
O-Line Depth Tested: Other Linemen’s Contributions and Challenges
It has not been smooth sailing for the entire Chiefs’ offensive line, even with Smith balling out. While the unit ranks 12th in pass-block win rate overall, Smith’s individual pass-blocking grades, according to ESPN, are not as high as center Creed Humphrey or Suamataia. Still, Smith has only given up seven pressures (two quarterback hits, five hurries) over a whopping 307 pass-blocking snaps. Compare that to Suamataia, who gave up seven pressures (one sack, three hits, three hurries) in far fewer snaps, just 221, per Pro Football Focus. The voting for Protector of the Year saw Smith dominate with five votes, while rookie left tackle Kahlil Benson and Creed Humphrey each picked up two. Humphrey’s lower snap count probably hurt his chances, but you have got to give props to Benson, who has played every single snap possible at left tackle this season. It shows just how much this line is working through its challenges.
The Chiefs are now at the midpoint, eight games down and nine more to go in their 2026 season. With Smith leading the charge up front, what do you think this means for their playoff aspirations as they head into the back half of the schedule?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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