Tag: Kingsley Suamataia

Chiefs HC Andy Reid gives an assessment of rookie offensive tackle’s debut vs. Ravens

Kansas City #Chiefs HC Andy Reid gives an assessment of rookie OL Kingsley Suamataia’s debut vs. Baltimore #Ravens | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are off to an ideal start to the regular season after defeating the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. The stars played well, and several rookies made their official NFL debuts.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid shared his thoughts on the Week 1 victory with reporters via Zoom on Monday. He also recapped the performance of rookie starting offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia.

“So I thought Kingsley (Suamataia) did some good things, some he’ll have plenty to work on going forward, but for his first time jumping in there, I guess (against) what I really think is a pretty good defensive line now,” said Reid. “So I thought he held his own, but there are things he’s got to work on and needs to get. He’s got another big challenge coming up this week, as does our whole offensive line.”

Suamataia was penalized in Thursday’s victory, but he is quickly adjusting to life as the starting left tackle. The former BYU standout has the coaches’ belief and trust as he progresses in his rookie season.

Taliese Fuaga was Week 1’s best rookie offensive tackle in pass protection

Taliese Fuaga delivered on the hype. He was ESPN’s best rookie offensive tackle in pass protection from Week 1’s games:

Taliese Fuaga delivered on the hype in his New Orleans Saints debut. He was ESPN’s best rookie offensive tackle in pass protection from Week 1’s games — ESPN sports analytics writer Seth Walder shared the pass block win rates for each of this year’s rookie starters, and Fuaga was head-and-shoulders above the rest.

Here’s where they ranked after Week 1 among the 60 starting offensive tackles:

  1. Taliese Fuaga, 94% (15th)
  2. Tyler Guyton, 84% (36th)
  3. Joe Alt, 79% (48th)
  4. Kingsley Suamataia, 69% (57th)
  5. J.C. Latham, 65% (59th)

Now there’s an important caveat here we should note; Week 1 isn’t over at the time of writing, with the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers kicking off on Monday night. But the only rookie offensive tackle competing in that game is Olu Fashanu, who isn’t starting for the Jets. Still, it’s likely that guys like Trent Williams and Morgan Moses could push Fuaga down the standings a little bit.

Either way, he’s immediately set high standards for himself. And we should remember that Fuaga is doing all of this at left tackle after exclusively lining up on the right side at Oregon State. He was fouled for a weak holding call against the Panthers but he’s known for not making the same mistake twice, and that was really the only big blemish on his first game as a pro. The sky’s the limit for what he can achieve moving forward.

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Ex-Chiefs OL reviews Kingsley Suamataia’s film vs. Lions

Take a look at Geoff Schwartz’s breakdown of #Chiefs OL Kingsley Suamataia’s performance against the #Lions this weekend.

The Kansas City Chiefs are using rookie tackle Kingsley Suamataia heavily during the preseason to prepare him for his first year in the NFL. The 2024 second-round pick is set to be a starter in Andy Reid’s offense this year, and has already shown flashes of brilliance in Kansas City’s exhibition matchups.

Suamataia got a lot of playing time this weekend in the Chiefs’ matchup against the Detroit Lions, and despite the a narrow 24-23 loss for Kansas City, the young tackle’s performance warranted a second look from an expert.

Retired NFL guard Geoff Schwartz, who spent the 2013 season with the Chiefs and started games for Kansas City, posted a breakdown of Suamataia’s latest showing on Twitter, and shared his thoughts about the rookie’s development:

As Schwartz noted, Suamataia still has room for improvement, but exhibits good judgment and footwork.

Expect to see some more plays from Suamataia in the Chiefs’ final preseason game on Thursday against the Chicago Bears.

Chiefs OL Kingsley Suamataia reacts to his bizarre avatar on ‘Madden 25’

#Chiefs OL Kingsley Suamataia was underwhelmed by his avatar in Madden 25, which doesn’t look like him in the slightest.

Most players in the NFL probably look forward to seeing their digital likeness appear in yearly releases of the video game Madden Football, but Kansas City Chiefs rookie Kingsley Suamataia was hit with a surprise upon seeing a screenshot of himself in the game’s newest release.

It appears that Suamataia is a player whose image hasn’t yet been rendered in the digital world, so the rookie tackle looks like a generic avatar that bears no resemblance to him in real life.

Kingsley Suamataia reacted to the image of himself in the video game on Twitter with just three emojis, perhaps the only reaction necessary.

His image on the virtual field may not match real life. Still, Kingsley Suamataia impressed on the actual field versus the Jacksonville Jaguars in his first preseason appearance in the NFL and is expected to make his second outing tomorrow when the Chiefs face the Detroit Lions at Arrowhead Stadium.

See how you can catch tomorrow’s game live.

Rookie Suamataia on Jaguars match: ‘I can play with these guys, I belong here’

After another day of work put in at training camp on Tuesday, Suamataia spoke with the press on his progress with the team after the first outing against the Jaguars and a month of practicing with the team and working with Andy Reid and Matt Nagy “coaching him up.”

One of the many standout new faces in the Kansas City Chiefs organization is rookie offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia, a second-round 2024 draft pick from BYU with a collegiate record that hinted at serious potential NFL star power in this pick.

Kansas City Chiefs leadership is so impressed with the rookie tackle he is expected to be a starter as the Chiefs are beginning their campaign toward another Super Bowl.

After another day of work put in at training camp on Tuesday, Suamataia spoke with the press on his progress with the team after the first outing against the Jaguars and a month of practicing with the team and working with Andy Reid and Matt Nagy “coaching him up.”

Reporters asked the rookie tackle what he is doing to adjust to his new role, and he explained “Just staying in the playbook, day in and day out – you can never study too much. Just make it a habit of mine, to you know, right before I go to bed, right as I wake up just having the refresh in my mind so I can just go out there and play loose and free.”

Getting into the experience in the first game, Kingsley Suamataia shared “It went good, you know I went against one of the best pass rushers in the league, Josh Allen, but he’s a dog, I watched him since I was in college. It was a great experience to get to, it’s funny, like ok, I went against these guys, I belong here, I can play with these guys.”

Touching on his perimeter passing, Suamataia said “it was fun, I didn’t run out here for nothing, so I run it down 20 yards, 30 yards, maybe even 50 sometimes, but um when I run out there I know that’s the play we’re going to score on, so every time I go out there I can show how fast I am.”

Eager and athletic, the rookie Kingsley Suamataia looks poised to be a future Kansas City Chiefs’ standout, expect to see him in the upcoming exhibition match when the Chiefs face the Detroit Lions at Arrowhead Stadium.

Rookie Chiefs OL reflects on preseason opener: ‘I love being out here’

Kansas City #Chiefs OL Kingsley Suamataia reflects on preseason opener: ‘I love being out here’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line continues to be their focus as they prepare for a new season.

Chiefs rookie offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia spoke with reporters on Tuesday after practice, reflecting on his preseason debut and eagerness to do more on the field.

“I only got to play a little bit for the first drive, but shoot, if I get more reps, you’re gonna see more of an animal just coming out there, flying around to the ball, be around the ball a lot.” Said Suamataia. “Just have fun out there at the end of the day.”

Suamataia played with the starters and only saw one series vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he understood that he’d get more work in training camp, practicing with the first team.

“I love being out here, grinding again with all my teammates, growing that bond — defensive side of the ball and with the offensive guys,” said Suamataia. “So it’s really great. It’s a big family, so I love it.”

The injury suffered by Wanya Morris last week held him out of Saturday’s game against the Jaguars. Suamataia hasn’t been officially named the starting left tackle, but he’s gained plenty of momentum before the decision.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid comments on Kingsley Suamataia’s progress at practice

Kansas City #Chiefs HC Andy Reid comments on Kingsley Suamataia’s progress at practice | @EdEastonJr

The countdown to the Kansas City Chiefs’ first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars is underway, and one of the big questions is who will start at left tackle to open the exhibition campaign.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid shared more of his insight with the media after Friday’s practice on the training camp work of NFL Draft second-round selection Kingsley Suamataia.

“He’s working with those starters and doing a nice job there,” Reid said. “He’s working number one hard on the things that we’re trying to try to teach him. There are a lot of new things that he’s learned, and he is playing aggressively and getting better every day. He’s not taking steps back, which is important. He’s getting to go against good players, which is also important, and competing there.”

During Suamataia’s work at left tackle, he was occasionally joined by Wanya Morris, who played some guard on Friday. Reid shot down the notion that Morris would soon change positions and explained his reasoning for not making the same switch with Suamataia.

“Well, I think being a rookie here, you probably leave him in one spot for right now,” said Reid. But eventually, he’ll be able to do all of it.”

The decision to choose a starter at left tackle will continue to be a focus of everyone in camp, as the preseason usually serves as the best live audition for the players.

Chiefs OC Matt Nagy discusses the competition for starting left tackle spot

Matt Nagy shared his thoughts about the battle for Kansas City’s starting left tackle spot during a press conference at #Chiefs training camp | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are moving closer to their first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars next week. Multiple starting spots are up for grabs, so plenty of eyes will be focused on the performances of specific players.

After Thursday’s practice, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy spoke with reporters about the ongoing training camp competition for the startling left tackle position.

“So far, it’s a healthy competition,” Nagy explained. “I think the guys have had great attitudes. Again, I’m going to keep going back to that word opportunity. (In the) Next several weeks, they’re going to get opportunities to prove who should be that guy at left tackle.”

Kingsley Suamataia has earned praise early since OTAs for his skills and physicality in the trenches. He’s considered a strong candidate to become a rookie starter, but it will take more than flashes at camp to convince the coaching staff.

“It’s incremental,” Nagy said. “It’s not one play. So if a guy goes out and has a great play in protection or the run game, he’s got to do that over and over again, consistency. So, if you can be consistent with doing what we’re looking for with Coach (Andy) Heck and Corey Matthaei, teach him schematically what Coach (Andy) Reid wants. If you can do that consistently, it’s never going to be perfect.”

Wanya Morris started most of the games at left tackle late last season in relief of an injured Donovan Smith. He received mixed reviews for his rookie performance in big spots.

“They’re both young,” Nagy continued. “We understand that, and I think we’re all lucky that we have a quarterback and Patrick (Mahomes) who has phenomenal pocket awareness, especially at left tackle on your blind side.”

Each preseason matchup will be ideal for determining which player has the advantage, as Kansas City could use various lineups each game.

Chiefs C Creed Humphrey on Kingsley Suamataia: ‘He has the right mindset to be great’

Kansas City #Chiefs C Creed Humphrey on Kingsley Suamataia: ‘He has the right mindset to be great’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs added to their offensive line in the 2024 NFL Draft with versatile options at each position. Second-round selection Kingsley Suamataia from BYU was picked as a possible day-one starter and has caught the attention of his veteran teammates.

After Monday’s practice, Chiefs starting center Creed Humphrey spoke with reporters about his thoughts on Suamataia in camp.

“There’s a lot of stuff going into during training camp, especially as a rookie, and he’s done a good job being able to process stuff, study on his own that night, and do things like that. He’s done a good job and picking up on stuff well,” said Humphrey. “So, for him, it’s just continuing to get these reps going against a really good defense and defensive ends right now; it’s going to be really helpful for him. So it’s been good. He’s getting better every day, and you can tell he’s bought in and working hard to get better every day, too.”

Suamataia had 22 career starts at BYU, splitting his time between left and right tackle, displaying versatility on the offensive line. He has shown eagerness to learn from the veterans while maintaining his hunger to compete for a starting role.

“Asking questions in meetings, staying sharp, staying locked in on meetings, things like that. And you can tell he has an instinct for the game. How he needs to play, how he needs to block, things like that.” said Humphrey. “So as long as he continues to refine his techniques and stuff like he has been, it will be really good for him. He’s a great athlete. He has the right mindset to be great. So it’s going to be good to see.”

Wanya Morris was the starting left tackle for a significant portion of last season and is currently competing with Suamataia and others in camp.

Andy Reid on Jawaan Taylor: ‘He learned a good lesson last year’

Andy Reid spoke about Jawaan Taylor’s progression during a press conference at #Chiefs training camp this week.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive tackle positions remain a work in progress with Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris battling for the starting spot on the left side.

Meanwhile, Jawaan Taylor is working with coaches at Chiefs training camp to correct the mistakes he made that caused him to be among the NFL’s most penalized players last season.

While speaking with the media on Tuesday, head coach Andy Reid went into detail about the progress he has seen from Taylor, who figures to be a key part of Kansas City’s offense in 2024.

“He’s working hard,” Reid said of Taylor. “I think he settled down in that last quarter of [last] season. As far as penalties go, he started out like he did [in] the first game, and he got away with a couple of things as far as being deep and then he got nailed for it after that, so that’s how that goes.

“I think he learned a good lesson last year, and it looked like he finished strong so that was a positive – [He’s] picking up in a good spot with the OTAs and these practices we’ve had up here [in St. Joe].”

Taylor is among the Chiefs’ highest-paid players, and with a Super Bowl three-peat on the line, improvement in camp could make or break his ability to contribute at a high level.