Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes has new blindside protector. He seems to be ahead of schedule
Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Kingsley Suamataia had a few visitors before leaving his locker after Saturday’s game against the Detroit Lions.
Right tackle Lucas Niang and defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah both specifically made their way over to him to shake his hand, congratulating him on an impressive second outing in KC’s 24-23 preseason loss at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
“It was great,” Suamataia said of playing multiple series Saturday after getting just one in the preseason opener. “Got to showcase flying around the ball. Had a couple (running-play) end-arounds in the game — definitely got to go out there and fly around and show my athleticism. But it was fun being out there with the guys, just competing.”
The best part for Suamataia? Getting a few extra downhill blocks.
One that stood out was a 7-yard carry by receiver Xavier Worthy. On that snap, Suamataia pulled around and targeted 5-foot-10, 185-pound defensive back Khalil Dorsey, launching him on his backside with some help from tight end Jared Wiley.
Suamataia’s ability might also help the Chiefs add versatility to their run game. On an earlier Carson Steele carry, Suamataia was one of two pullers from the left side who led the way through the hole in the middle.
“We can show the world that we’re a running offense,” Suamataia said. “We can run, too.”
And while that might be a weapon moving forward, coaches will likely be most interested to see if he can secure quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side during pass plays.
Saturday seemed like a success in that regard, too. Mahomes wasn’t sacked, and though Suamataia had a false-start penalty, he appeared to hold up during his one-on-one battles on the perimeter.
“I think he did all right,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of Suamataia. “It looked like Pat had time. I’ll go back and look at it, but it didn’t jump out that there was a problem there. I think that’s a plus.”
At this point, the Chiefs could be on the verge of reaping great dividends if Suamataia continues to develop this quickly.
KC traded up one spot to take Suamataia with the 63rd overall pick in the second round of April’s draft, choosing the BYU product as the 11th tackle prospect in an O-line-heavy draft.
He appears on track to be better than some of those guys taken ahead of him.
The Chiefs started training camp saying there would be competition at left tackle between Suamataia and second-year player Wanya Morris. Suamataia dominated that head-to-head, however, establishing himself as the top player since the team’s first practice in full pads.
“He’s just a strong player, obviously talented,” Chiefs right guard Trey Smith said. “The front office does a great job of selecting players. He does an outstanding job and is only going to continue to grow.”
Saturday was a special day for Suamataia for personal reasons as well. His cousin, offensive tackle Penei Sewell, was on the sideline as a member of the visiting Detroit Lions.
Suamataia said he spoke with Sewell before and after the game.
“It’s still surreal just seeing him on the other side. Now, this is my job. Just seeing him on this ... as our profession is amazing,” Suamataia said. “It’s a blessing. To see how far I’ve come as a person, just being able to see now my cousin’s one of the best in the league, it’s great.”
So what was Sewell’s evaluation of Suamataia after the game?
“He said I did good,” Suamataia said with a smile.
That seems to be the general consensus regarding the Chiefs’ new left tackle, who could get Thursday’s upcoming preseason finale off before Sept. 5’s season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
“I’m ready,” Suamataia said. “Just working, worrying about next game. You never know with the preseason. But that’s what I’m focused on.”
This story was originally published August 17, 2024 at 8:52 PM.
