KCKingdom
Fansided

Beloved Chief Reveals Why Kingsley Suamataia is Struggling

By Joe Summers

Jul 22, 2024; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia (76) walks down the hill from the locker room to the fields prior to training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Jul 22, 2024; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia (76) walks down the hill from the locker room to the fields prior to training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images / Denny Medley-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

The Chiefs have a major problem at left tackle with Wanya Morris banged up and rookie Kingsley Suamataia seemingly not ready. Suamataia's struggles have been a major topic in Kansas City and star guard Trey Smith revealed why the rookie hasn't met expectations so far.

After Morris' injury early against the Broncos, Suamataia stepped in for major snaps for the first time since Week 2. It was an unmitigated disaster.

Kansas City's coaching staff still has faith in the athletic tackle out of BYU, though Smith believes confidence has been a key issue. Once Suamataia is more comfortable with his technique, the sky is the limit.

Chiefs G Trey Smith Reveals Why LT Kingsley Suamataia is Struggling

"I think this league is driven off of confidence," Smith said. "You've got to have the confidence to complete your job and believe you're the baddest dude on the field."

What he's saying makes a ton of sense. Suamataia was an elite tackle in college but NFL pass-rushers are obviously a different class. His underlying athletic gifts are still there, though he needs more experience to feel confident in his abilities.

It was a bit of a surprise when Suamataia was named the starter out of training camp. He needs time to develop, which became immediately obvious after Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson took him to school in that ill-fated Week 2 matchup.

Suamataia's future is still bright. With another year under his belt and more experience, he'll enter 2025 as the de facto starter at left tackle.

In the interim, the Chiefs desperately need Morris to stay healthy. Otherwise, we could see a repeat of the Buccaneers Super Bowl loss that saw Kansas City's offensive line leave Patrick Mahomes on an island all night long.

More Kansas City Chiefs News:

feed

Home/Kansas City Chiefs