The Kansas City Chiefs’ biggest splash in free agency was signing offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor to a four-year, $80 million contract on March 13. Through two games, Kansas City’s o-line investment on the right side has had a series of pre-snap miscues through his first two games as a Chief.
Six of the eleven offensive penalties called on Kansas City this season were on Taylor, costing the Chiefs 38 yards. The 26-year-old spoke with reporters on Friday and admitted the penalties need to stop.
“[There have been some] highs and lows, definitely,” Taylor admitted. “Overall, I feel like my performance wasn’t too bad, but the penalties have to [be] cleaned up.”
Taylor also has a habit that dates back to his days with Jacksonville, where he lines off the line of scrimmage to gain an advantage over his opponent. The veteran tackle also attempted to get off the ball right at the snap, which resulted in three false start fouls. Last week, against the Jaguars, head coach Andy Reid pulled Taylor from the game on multiple occasions.
“[Head coach Andy Reid] just took me out for a couple of plays for a breather,” Taylor said. “[Then I] just [got] back in and [finished] the game.”
As his team prepares for the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Taylor mentioned that his main focus in practice has been getting his timing down and lining up correctly. He commended his coaches for helping him accomplish that.
“[We’ve] been working on it this week to clean it up. Definitely know that’s a problem that needs to be fixed,” Taylor explained. “Good thing I have a great group of coaches around me to help me fix it. Just staying poised throughout the game and staying even-keeled, not letting it get the best of me. Definitely working to fix it.”
Despite Taylor’s struggles a week ago, the Chiefs found a way to leave Jacksonville with a 17-9 victory. The veteran tackle said he was very impressed with how the team responded in a game full of adverse situations.
“Just [shows] our coaching, having a great group of coaches like that,” Taylor said. “They keep us up throughout the week and let us know things happen, but at the end of the day, we just go out there and get a win. Everybody knows that, so I feel like everyone plays with great poise.”
After two consecutive games against stout defenses, Kansas City’s matchup against the Chicago Bears should be what the team needs to correct some things on offense.
