The Kansas City Cheifs got key
The Kansas City Chiefs are hoping for a turnaround season, and their stars showed out in their Monday night win over the Denver Broncos. But the Chiefs rookies also had their moments, and they’re quickly finding out that more is required, and quickly, too.
The rookie who got the most attention after the game was left tackle Kahlil Benson, with defensive end George Karlaftis saying that Benson “balled out,” per a report from Nate Taylor of ESPN. That’s better than bailing out, but the Chiefs were able to use Benson mostly as a run blocker, and the strategy worked to perfection.
Edge rusher R Mason Thomas also had his moment against Denver with a key sack, but according to Taylor he also acknowledged the quick turnaround in the NFL as the Chiefs prepare to play the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night.
Coach Andy Reid made an important point as well, telling the rookies that there’s tape on them out there now. They’ll be studied, and other coaches will be coming up with creative solutions to all the tactics that worked seamlessly against Denver.
Running back Emmett Johnson was another rookie who made an impact, with 68 yards on ten touches, per Taylor. Johnson noted that there’s room for improvement, and a lot of football left to play as he continues to work to get better.
Benson will be back in the spotlight again as well, with Taylor noting that the left tackle allowed just one pressure to Denver linebacker Nik Bonitto, who’s usually a force in the Broncos pass rush.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes reminded Benson that he’s playing a game he’s loved since he was a kid, but Taylor added that the Chiefs want to see the rookie clean up his footwork against Colts edge rushers Arden Key and Laiatu Latu.
The rookie who made the biggest splash early was cornerback Mansoor Delane, who contributed an interception in the first quarter that helped set the tone against Denver. Fellow rookie Peter Woods said he wasn’t surprised by what Delane did, and Woods held his own while subbing in occasionally for defensive tackle Chris Jones, who made a big fumble recovery.
On paper this should be an easier game, especially given the performance issues of quarterback Daniel Jones in prime time and late-window games. Jones has an atrocious record in the glare of the spotlight, and this is a big week for the Colts after their disppointing 41-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week.
