Andy Reid faces a tough decision about Patrick Mahomes' protection for the upcoming season
The Chiefs have a major problem protecting Patrick Mahomes.
The Kansas City Chiefs are determined to prove that last season, when they missed the NFL playoffs, was simply a setback. However, as training camp and the preseason enter their final stretch, one of their biggest concerns remains on the offensive line, specifically at the left tackle position.
Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson struggled in his most recent appearance, a performance that could open the door for veteran Jaylon Moore to secure the starting role.
According to ESPN’s Nate Taylor , the Chiefs still have not found a definitive solution on the left side of the offensive line. One possibility being considered by the team is moving Benson to guard, where he has shown better results, while giving Moore the opportunity to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side .
“The team invested most of training camp in preparing Kahlil Benson, the undrafted rookie from Indiana,” Taylor wrote for ESPN . “Benson’s performance Saturday, however, was quite disappointing. He struggled in pass protection, surrendering quick pressure to rookie Rueben Bain Jr. and a strip-sack to outside linebacker Anthony Nelson . At this point, the Chiefs likely move Benson to guard, where he played much better against the Los Angeles Rams last week. Jaylon Moore, a five-year veteran, hasn’t been impressive, either. But Moore is likely the Chiefs’ most ideal option. The only other possibility is Esa Pole, a second-year player who took snaps Saturday at left tackle with the second-team offense.”
The report notes that Jaylon Moore , a five-year NFL veteran , has also failed to fully impress during the preseason, although he currently appears to be Kansas City’s most reliable option. The other alternative is Esa Pole, a second-year player who took reps at left tackle with the second-team offense in Saturday’s game.
The concern comes at a critical time for the Chiefs, who have lost both of their preseason games so far and still have one final exhibition matchup against the Seattle Seahawks before opening the regular season on September 14 against the Denver Broncos .
With limited time to finalize their lineup, Kansas City must find an answer at left tackle if it hopes to return to Super Bowl contention .
