Chiefs Need to Bench Second-Year Starter After Week 8 Disaster
By Joe Summers
The Chiefs have no choice but to bench LT Wanya Morris after another disappointing performance in Week 8 against the Raiders.
Kansas City came out on top, but Morris' deficiencies were apparent and stood out as weaknesses that the coaching staff should fix moving forward. Given the promise first-round LT Kingsley Suamataia showed early in the campaign, it's only a matter of time before the rookie takes over the starting job once again.
Morris had a pair of key penalties that ultimately didn't matter. Regardless, his struggles opened the door for Suamataia's return to the starting lineup.
Chiefs LT Wanya Morris Struggles in Week 8 vs. Raiders
Chiefs have to do something at left tackle. Wanya Morris allowed a hit that led to Mahomes limping earlier in the game, then back-to-back holding penalties on that last possession before a Mahomes tipped pass led to another interception.
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) October 27, 2024
The position is clearly an issue for the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. Keeping Patrick Mahomes healthy is the most important task for the undefeated AFC leaders, and it's clear thus far that neither option can be trusted at the moment.
With just one week until the trade deadline, it's possible Brett Veach is forced to make a move or even bring 2023 starter Donovan Smith back. Perhaps the coaching staff believes that Morris and Suamataia can improve over the course of the season but all it takes is one bad play for disaster to strike.
The rest of Kansas City's offensive line is among the NFL's best. That being said, left tackle is widely considered the most important spot on the line. If Suamataia isn't ready and Morris can't handle it, the Chiefs need to consider all of their options.
Smart defenses will continue attacking the left side until something changes. Here's hoping Kansas City finds an answer before it's too late.
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