The Kansas City Chiefs have gone through an adjustment period with their offensive line. One player who’s struggled is second-year pro Wanya Morris.
Morris started at left tackle for Kansas City in weeks 3 through 13 before eventually being benched. In the last three weeks, the Chiefs are awaiting the return of D.J. Humphries, who got the start at LT in Week 14 against the Chargers before suffering a hamstring injury. Left guard Joe Thuney has since stepped up to protect Patrick Mahomes blind side in consecutive weeks.
On Saturday, Morris returned his natural position at right tackle to replace an injured Jawaan Taylor at right tackle and gave the Chiefs a far better result with his blocking and pass protection.
Following the Chiefs’ Week 15 win over the Houston Texans, the offensive coordinator Matt Nagy raved about Morris during his presser via ZOOM on Sunday Afternoon.
“[Wanya Morris has] done a good job,” Nagy told reporters. “It’s important that these guys go through the flows of the season, game-by-game, [and] stay locked in [and] stay focused. I think most importantly, more than anything, is that they understand that we always are supporting them and we need to be coaching them and still be tough on them but also have that ‘one play away’ mentality and you saw that yesterday.
Morris has gone through a learning curve this season and while he’s struggled to remain consistent as a blocker, Nagy explained the Oklahoma product always has a great attitude and a willingness to learn and get better.
“Wanya’s done that this whole time, and he came in and played well,” Nagy said. “He just needs to keep growing and he will—he’s young and I think we all just need to keep that in perspective. I like where he’s at right now and we’ve just got to continue to stay true to what he’s doing well and continue to teach him what he’s not doing great, and we can keep working at that.”
Saturday was a good step in the right direction and gives the Chiefs something to think about regarding keeping Morris on the right side. Wednesday will be another excellent test for his development when goes against Pittsburgh’s dominant pass rush.
