Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson silenced skeptics by anchoring the blindside against Denver, delivering a dominant performance that solidified Andy Reid’s boldest roster shift after losing starter Josh Simmons.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid didn't have too many major roster decisions to make for Week 1.
The starters were basically set, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was ready to play after suffering an ACL tear, and both sides of the ball featured plenty of new faces after a busy offseason.
In the end, the Chiefs had no issues and cruised to a 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, with offseason acquisition Kenneth Walker III leading the way in a huge statement.
However, there is one gamble that paid off big time for Reid, and it was inserting Kahlil Benson at left tackle. And, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted that it worked, with Benson, who was undrafted, showing his worth in Week 1.
"Benson allowed one pressure in 32 pass-blocking snaps in the win. The Chiefs were evaluating Benson as a guard with tackle flexibility. But in the third preseason week, with Josh Simmons out, they slid Benson to left tackle for extended reps. He has acquitted himself well," Fowler wrote.
Having to play Week 1 without Simmons was not promising for Kansas City, but Benson, who played with the Indiana Hoosiers, stepped up in a big way.
As far as Simmons injury goes, nobody has any idea what is happening and when he will return, but Benson's strong play is something the Chiefs should be relieved to see.
How good was Benson? Well, he recorded the fewest pressures among all rookie offensive tackles, and it's even more impressive considering the fact he went undrafted.
Benson admitted that he hadn't played left tackle since high school, but the rookie said he has to be ready wherever he is asked to play, and he did just that in Week 1.
Pro Football Focus noted that Benson had zero quarterback pressures, hits or sacks in the opener, and it came against a talented Denver Broncos defense.
Right now, there are more questions than answers when it comes to Josh Simmons' injury, and we might not have any firm idea until the team gives more information.
Nonetheless, Benson should be able to fill the void, at least based on what he did in Week 1. The Chiefs face Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2, and it sure seems like Benson should get another opportunity to be cemented as a piece of the offensive line going forward.
