As the Kansas City Chiefs await the return of rookie Josh Simmons, there is zero question that the organization has a great deal of faith in backup Jaylon Moore. The Chiefs signed the tackle to a contract that indicated there was some level of belief he could start the season in the lineup. Considering the previously unproven Simmons and the past issues with Jawaan Taylor, this is understandable. Leading to Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports reporting noteworthy comments from Patrick Mahomes on his new starting left tackle.
""I know the work that Jaylon has put in... He's done his job and done it well. Having the reps in training camp and OTAs, I know he's going to go out there and battle. He's a starting tackle in this league.""Patrick Mahomes
This is high praise from Mahomes, who has often been put behind leaky offensive lines over the years. It speaks to a sense of belief in Moore and an understanding that Simmons is likely going to be out of the lineup in Week 7.
Chiefs Have Understandable Faith in Backup Tackle Jaylon Moore
It isn't just belief that the Chiefs have to go off of either, with Kansas City being forced to start the backup during its Sunday Night Football win over the Detroit Lions. Against a respected pass rush, the left tackle held his own and left no reason to believe the Chiefs are in trouble heading into a Week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders are at the bottom of the AFC West and present a very winnable game, whether it is Simmons or Moore who is put into the starting lineup. Mahomes wasn't the only notable member of Kansas City's roster to speak highly of Moore, with Goldman reporting comments from head coach Andy Reid about his confidence that Moore can step in and serve as a replacement for Simmons.
""He's a competitive kid... he's always ready. He practices a third of the practice because Andy (Heck) rotates him in there. We have a lot of trust in him... the guys around him have a lot of trust in him.""Andy Reid
Reid is taking the opportunity to credit offensive line coach Andy Heck for keeping the tackle ready for his number to be called. It is this elite approach that has helped the Chiefs remain on top and be prepared for injuries or players missing time. It also points to the fact that Kansas City learned last year's lesson following its season coming to an end with a Super Bowl loss due to poor offensive line play and depth that offered few answers.
It wasn't going to be the downfall of Kansas City this season, and after early struggles, the results have been telling. For Moore, it is an opportunity to make a case that he could be a replacement option for Jawaan Taylor. While Simmons is having an incredible rookie season, there has been unending frustration with Taylor's consistent self-inflicted mistakes. Taylor's struggles, coupled with the comments from Mahomes and Reid, reinforce how important an opportunity this is for the backup tackle.