Where do Chiefs stand at left tackle after bye week? What coach Andy Reid said Monday
Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid was noncommittal Monday when asked whether Wanya Morris or Kingsley Suamataia would be the team’s left tackle in the short-term.
Morris, a 2023 third-round pick, has started the team’s last three games. Suamataia — drafted in this year’s second round — was the starter in Games 1 and 2 before being benched in the second contest vs. Cincinnati.
Reid said Monday that coaches had “obviously looked at” the position during their downtime in the bye week.
“Both of them can do better,” Reid said. “And so Wanya knows what he’s got to work on, and likewise Kingsley does. We’re lucky to have both the guys — both young guys — and we’re kind of growing with them here.”
Pro Football Focus’ charting has Morris as the better player so far. His offensive grade is 57.6 (60 is average) with a better mark in pass blocking than run blocking.
However, Morris had some issues in the Chiefs’ previous game against the Saints. Pro Football Focus (PFF) had him allowing four QB pressures — more than the total (3) he’d had in his other three games combined.
Suamataia, meanwhile, has a 41.2 PFF grade this season in his limited playing time. He also replaced Morris for four snaps against the Saints after Morris left the game briefly with a knee injury.
Reid didn’t give a direct answer when asked if Morris would continue to be the team’s starter in the interim.
“We’ll just let that process keep rolling,” Reid said.
The Chiefs’ struggles at tackle have caused some offensive disruption. Specifically, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has frequently appeared uncomfortable in the pocket, struggling with footwork and bailing quickly while seeming to anticipate pressure.
While still the betting favorite for NFL MVP this year, Mahomes has had a down year statistically while adjusting to the opposing pass rush and working around injuries to teammates like Isiah Pacheco, Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice. Mahomes is averaging 247 passing yards per game during KC’s 5-0 start, posting six touchdowns to go with six interceptions.
Reid also was asked Monday about the progress of first-round rookie receiver Xavier Worthy, whom the Chiefs traded up to select in the first round of this year’s draft. Worthy has 21 catches for 179 yards this season with four combined receiving and rushing touchdowns.
“He’s a quick learner, which helps in this offense. So I’m happy with what we’ve got so far, and I don’t think we’ve tapped that out at all,” Reid said. “He’ll keep getting better, and that’s exciting.”
