The performance of the Kansas City Chiefs in their season opener game against the Los Angeles Chargers leaves something to be desired on both sides of the ball. Losing Xavier Worthy to friendly fire, besides not having Rashee Rice, combined with penalties, led to a not-so-great game.
Yellow Flags Abound
The Chiefs have a strange relationship with penalties. Last year, the Chiefs had 94 penalties for 829 yards in the regular season, ranking them as the fourth-least penalized team in the NFL. During the season’s opening game versus the Chargers, the Chiefs incurred 10 penalties, totaling 71 yards. Although week 1 jitters might be part of the symptom, it is not the problem.
Again, so far this season, the fundamental problem is Jawaan Taylor. He cost the team 30 yards with two holding penalties and two false starts in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Taylor had issues with penalties before he played for the Chiefs. He loves to be quick off the line of scrimmage, but it makes it feel as if every false start on the Chiefs is his fault. Scrutiny of his performance this year surpasses that of the previous year, raising questions regarding the coaching staff’s tolerance.
Josh Simmons, the rookie first-round pick, committed two false starts, which resulted in a total 10-yard penalty against the Chiefs. But as a rookie, he warrants more leniency and understanding compared to Taylor.
Does Andy Reid Have A Plan?
After the game, Reid said in the press conference that they needed to clean up the penalties, especially in crucial moments during a drive. He also mentioned the team would be taking care of the problem. Yet, Reid’s meaning remained unclear, with no solution provided.
Though prepared, the team’s depth plus penalties hampered them. Kansas City might see how Jaylon Moore would perform if they decide to bench Taylor. Don’t forget Moore is waiting for his chance to show staff and fans what he can bring to the table. Yet, the Chiefs consistently appear to possess a lot of tolerance for different matters, including Taylor and his penalties.
What Should the Chiefs Do?
Taylor, acquired in 2023, incurred the highest penalty counts within the NFL: 20 in 2023, 16 in 2024. His penalties are amplified by the salary the Chiefs are giving him. If Reid and staff want to send a message, they would bench Taylor and give Moore a chance. More than likely, the Chiefs will stick with Taylor until the penalties become too much of an issue than they already are. Other players could only hope that their team would offer them the same amount of patience as Taylor. Reid and Matt Nagy need to give notice to Taylor that he is replaceable if he continues to hamper the offense.
The Chiefs need to roll the dice and give Moore a chance to prove himself. Yet Game 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles will more than likely find Taylor starting.
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