Kingsley.
- Lewis Green
- Sep 16, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 4, 2024
Okay, so, to preface this piece; Kingsley's performance in week 2, BAD. But, he'll be fine.
Against the Bengals last Sunday, the rookie left tackle faced significant struggles, ultimately leading to his benching. Matched up against Cincinnati's premier pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson, Suamataia had difficulty keeping Patrick Mahomes protected, giving up multiple pressures and a sack. While it’s frustrating to see a second-round pick struggle so badly that he’s benched and your franchise quarterback gets beat up, it’s important to remember a few things: The Chiefs are 2-0, Mahomes is fine, and Suamataia will never play that poorly again.
That last point is bold, I know, but consider this: this is the single greatest learning experience for a 21-year-old playing the toughest position in football. He will get better because of it. The Chiefs, having gained a better understanding of Suamataia’s ability, will not ask him to contain a premier NFL edge rusher by himself for the foreseeable future.
For context, Kingsley was always seen as an upside pick; his athletic tools needed honing. The best experience for him is to get out there and play—every rough snap helps cultivate him into a better football player. Meanwhile, sophomore tackle Wanya Morris is more than capable of stepping up while Kingsley works on his craft. Many rookies face obstacles during their first seasons, especially on the offensive line. With time, experience, and coaching, there’s a strong chance he will improve and become a reliable asset for the Chiefs moving forward. The key for Suamataia is to absorb the lessons from these struggles and continue working on his technique, which can lead to significant growth in his performance.
Comments