Evaluating the Performance of Kansas City Chiefs' Left Guard, Kingsley Suamataia, Mid-Season
The Kansas City Chiefs, currently sitting at 5-4, have had their fair share of ups and downs this season. Despite not being in the position they desire, the team has shown promise in the first half of the season. One notable positive has been the Chiefs' discovery of a long-term solution at left guard, with Kingsley Suamataia proving to be a reliable starter.
A year ago, Suamataia was struggling at left tackle, starting in three games before being benched due to poor performance. Fast forward to this season, and he has made a remarkable transition to the interior position, showcasing natural talent. While he hasn't been flawless, his performance in the first half of the year sets the stage for a promising career.
Let's delve into the details.
Analyzing the Game Footage
During the bye week, I meticulously reviewed every game of the season, grading Suamataia's performance in each snap. I employed a straightforward grading system: did he excel at his job or not? Despite his 70% season grade, which equates to a 'C' on a report card, it's crucial to acknowledge that not all losses are equal. Suamataia has consistently avoided critical mistakes, allowing only one sack and committing just one penalty through nine games. His wins have been highly productive, contributing positively to the team's success.
Pass Protection Mastery
Suamataia's physical attributes, including his build and strength, make him an ideal fit at guard. The interior offensive line demands greater base strength and hand-fighting prowess, which Suamataia has consistently demonstrated. His strong hands and solid base have been instrumental in securing high snap rates.
Even during his time at BYU, Suamataia possessed a strong grip and a powerful base, although he sometimes failed to recognize his own strength. As a tackle last season, he had limited opportunities to showcase this power, but this season, he has been showcasing his raw strength effectively.
At tackle, Suamataia's hand technique was less effective in pass protection, but as a guard, he has harnessed his strong grip and upper body to excel. He has developed a unique 'snatch' technique, effectively neutralizing pass rushers.
Suamataia's physique, with his 34-inch arms, is particularly advantageous against defensive tackles with stouter frames, as they struggle to counter his blocks. Once he gains control of the rusher and maintains his footwork, he can swiftly shut down plays in pass protection.
Run Blocking Excellence
Even as a tackle, Suamataia displayed positive run-blocking abilities, but his transition to guard has unlocked new dimensions in the Chiefs' offense. The interior offensive line is pivotal in the team's running success, and Suamataia, alongside center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith, has been creating substantial push up the middle.
However, Suamataia needs to focus on maintaining his pad level to gain leverage in battles. Like many tall guards, he may struggle with the point of attack due to his pad level, potentially causing stalemates at the line of scrimmage. Nonetheless, when he drops his pads, he can uproot many defenders.
Blocking in Space
Suamataia's athleticism, despite not being NFL tackle material, is not lacking. His ability to move in space and create plays at the second level is a significant asset. While he needs to refine his aiming points and angles to reach defenders, his natural talent for climbing upfield and smoothly navigating space has been a carryover from his college days.
This movement ability has also provided the Chiefs with additional options to set up the pocket for Mahomes, granting him more time to throw the ball down the field.
Nasty Playstyle
Since the drafting of Humphrey and Smith, the Chiefs' offensive line has embraced a nasty, all-out playing style, and Suamataia has seamlessly adopted this mentality. He has made some impressive physical plays, embodying the no-nonsense approach that professional football demands.
When smaller players attempt to 'play games' in the box, it's refreshing to see an offensive lineman like Suamataia take a straightforward approach.
The Bottom Line
Before the NFL Draft, many film analysts and draft gurus advise that prospects should 'transition to guard' due to physical limitations affecting their tackle abilities. However, this transition is not as straightforward as they suggest. The footwork and strength requirements for playing inside are significantly different from those for tackle, and many college tackles struggle to meet these demands.
Suamataia stands out as a rare case. He possesses the strength to excel inside, and his dedication to transitioning positions has transformed him from a project to a potential cornerstone of the Kansas City offensive line. Last season, his tackle career ended against the Denver Broncos in Week 11, but his guard career began later that season during a Week 18 game in Denver, where he showcased his potential.
As the Chiefs prepare for the second half of the season, facing the Broncos in a must-win game, Suamataia will play a pivotal role in the offense's success.
