The Kansas City Chiefs secured their 11th victory of the 2024 NFL season on Friday night, narrowly defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 19-17. Despite the win, the defending champions once again faced significant challenges, particularly at the left tackle position. Both quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid are acutely aware that this issue has been a recurring theme throughout the season.
In the midst of the game, with Mahomes under constant pressure and taking hits, Reid made a pivotal decision. He benched Wanya Morris, shifting Joe Thuney to left tackle and bringing in Mike Caliendo to take over at left guard. This change was made in an effort to provide Mahomes with better protection, especially on his blindside during critical moments of the game.
After the final whistle, Mahomes addressed the media, emphasizing his trust in his teammates. However, he also revealed that there were times when he felt a lack of confidence in executing certain plays. “Whoever’s out there, I trust those guys to go out there and make it happen,” Mahomes stated. “I’ve seen those guys play, and they’ve played at high levels. The coaches made a move, and I thought the guys went in there and did a good job. I’ve got to trust it — I think there were times I didn’t trust it there on that last drive, and if I can trust it and maybe make some of those throws, then we’re not in the situation we were in at the end of the game.”
Reid explains Chiefs’ late change at LT
During his postgame press conference, Reid elaborated on his decision to bench Morris for the final two drives. He acknowledged that Mahomes was not receiving adequate protection, which ultimately hindered the offense’s effectiveness. “Wanya was struggling a little bit,” Reid admitted. “So, we moved Joe over there, Caliendo in at guard. I thought it was the right thing to do at that time. I talked to (offensive line coach) Andy [Heck] about it, and he agreed with it. Pat took a few hits there, and so we were struggling at times.”
Reid’s honesty about Morris’ performance reflects the urgency of the situation. He understands that a quarterback getting hit consistently disrupts any offensive rhythm. “I would tell you that it’s disruptive to any offense if the quarterback’s getting hit and not able to get the ball off,” Reid explained. “Now, listen, he’s playing against a couple of good players, but you’ve got to do better than what we did there.”
Persistent left tackle issues
The left tackle position has been a significant concern for the Chiefs this season. Rookie Kingsley Suamataia began the year as the starter but lost his job just two weeks in after a disappointing performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he struggled against Trey Hendrickson. Since Week 3, Morris has taken over the left tackle duties, but after Friday’s game, his future in that role is uncertain.
The Chiefs are clearly in a bind. With Mahomes as their star quarterback, the offensive line must provide him with the protection he needs to thrive. As Reid pointed out, the team can’t afford to have their franchise player taking unnecessary hits. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting as the season progresses.
Looking ahead
As the Chiefs prepare for their next matchup, the question remains: can they solidify their offensive line to ensure Mahomes has the time and space to operate effectively? The coaching staff will undoubtedly be analyzing game tape and considering further adjustments. The goal is clear: to protect their quarterback and enhance their offensive capabilities as they push toward the playoffs.
The Chiefs’ ability to adapt and overcome challenges will be crucial in the coming weeks. With the playoffs on the horizon, every game counts, and every decision made by Reid and his coaching staff will be under scrutiny. The fans are hopeful that the team can find a solution to their left tackle woes and continue their pursuit of another championship.
In the world of the NFL, where every second counts and every play can change the course of a game, the Chiefs are determined to rise above their challenges. With Mahomes at the helm and a talented roster, there’s no doubt that they have the potential to make a deep playoff run. But first, they must address the issues on the offensive line and ensure that their star quarterback can perform at his best. The journey continues, and the excitement is palpable as the Chiefs look to reclaim their dominance in the league.
