The Kansas City Chiefs could be on the precipice of a very difficult situation on the offensive line for the ensuing weeks.
Left tackle, Josh Simmons, has ended up on IR, whilst guard Trey Smith – who signed a four year $94 million per year, which makes him the highest paid interior offensive lineman in the sport – and right tackle Jawaan Taylor have remained off of the practice field in the build up to Week 14’s critical bout against the Houston Texans.
Simmons will be replaced by free agent offseason acquisition, Jaylon Moore, whilst Mike Caliendo is set to come in for Trey Smith and former 2023 third round pick, Wanya Morris filling in for Taylor – if the latter two are unable to play come the weekend.
However, the organization made the slightly unexpected decision to announce the team would start Morris at left tackle and Moore on the right hand side.
Given that Moore’s experience is primarily on the left, and that the blind side tackle is generally the slightly more important of the two positions – especially in pass protection, this came as a surprise to many.
But speaking to the KC Star’s Pete Sweeney on Thursday, Chiefs offensive coordinator, Matt Nagy revealed what went into the decision.
Chiefs Offensive Line Decision “Matchup” Focused
“I asked Matt Nagy about the decision to play Wanya Morris at LT and Jaylon Moore at RT if it came to it due to injury.” Sweeney wrote on X. “Nagy said he met with Andy Reid, OL coach Andy Heck, and they evaluated the matchups, all felt this was the best possible direction given the personnel.”
Chiefs Called Out For Strange OL Choice
One redeeming note for KC is that the Texans present a unique challenge given the strength of both of their top edge rushers, Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., both of whom are Pro Bowlers that have double-digit sacks already this season.
So regardless of which offensive tackle is called to block Hunter or Anderson, Morris – the weaker of the two backups – is sure to face one of them.
But having Morris on the blindside is still a weird decision, especially since he massively struggled in that same position just a year ago, which ultimately forced Andy Reid to move guard, Joe Thuney to tackle and slot Caliendo in at guard.
The Chiefs will be hoping this eventuality does not ultimately materialize, but things are certainly not looking ideal up front for the reigning AFC champions.
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