Chiefs Could Turn To Rookie Wanya Morris In Key Game Vs Bills

The Kansas City Chiefs have a monumental, key game against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday. We know that Kansas City’s offense has battled inconsistency all season long. But at the offensive tackle spot, penalties have been a hinderance throughout various points of the season. We have also seen an up-and-down set of performances. Now entering Sunday, veteran left tackle Donovan Smith is in danger of missing the contest, due to a neck stinger. As a result, this could allow rookie Wanya Morris to step in and fill that void.

Smith initially got banged up against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12. But last week against the Green Bay Packers, the blocker was unable to play at full strength, so to speak. This led to a change and allowed for Wanya Morris to play 69 percent of the offensive snaps last week. All told, Morris was not too bad in his first extended outing in the regular season. And now, the rookie could be counted on heavily against the Buffalo Bills as a starter.

If Wanya Morris does indeed start against Buffalo, what can fans expect? How is Morris approaching his first possible start? Plus, what do the Bills present as an opposing pass rush? Let’s kick it off.

Morris Focusing On Preparation

With Wanya Morris being a rookie, there could be a lot on his mind. That is especially true entering a matchup as important as this upcoming one against the Bills. Both teams are desperate to get a win. Kansas City is hoping to keep pace near the top of the AFC standings. Meanwhile, the Bills cannot afford many more losses if they want to make the playoffs. But for Morris, he described that he is focusing on his preparation. Sticking with his same routine from earlier this season is a point of emphasis, so to speak.

“Just preparing the same way. Your preparation should never change week-in and week-out. (You have to) keep a routine,” Morris said. “That’s all I’m going to do. I’m trying to keep the same routine and prepare the same way, and just make sure I’m hyping in on the little details.”

As a third-round pick this year, Wanya Morris was not necessarily expected to play much offense in his first season. We saw him play with the third-string group in the preseason games. However, Morris quietly made subtle strides with his technique and timing from the start of training camp to the end of those preseason games.

Overall, Wanya Morris offers some athletic upside and displayed a mix of that along with impressive power against Green Bay. His effort in the run game was tremendous, as it setup numerous opportunities for Isiah Pacheco. Then in the pass game, Morris is continuing to learn how to time up his hands. That is an item that improved as last week’s game went on. If that technique can continue to progress throughout his preparation, Morris could stake his claim as the future left tackle during this upcoming stretch.

Expectations For Rookie Blocker

The expectations for Wanya Morris this Sunday, if he indeed starts, may differ, depending on who you talk to. Ideally, this is an important time of the year in which the Chiefs could get a good idea of what they have at the position moving into next year. If Morris is able to make necessary adjustments as a pass blocker, he could lessen the need of possibly adding someone to compete for a starting offensive tackle spot next year. He did give up a sack in the red zone in one of his earlier snaps last week. But afterwards, Morris was able to rely on stellar hand placement to keep the pocket clean.

For Sunday in particular, the expectations for Wanya Morris may just be to play under control. Even if he makes a mistake or gives up a sack, the hope is that he can play steady from start to finish. If any reckless results occur, the offense could suffer even further with their lack of production. You would also like to see him recognize any tricks that the Bills may be attempting with certain blitzes. If Wanya Morris can maintain his landmarks in those moments, Kansas City could have a smooth day. All told, Morris just has to avoid a slide in play as the day continues.

Buffalo Presents Versatile Pass Rush

Wanya Morris will be tasked with facing a great mix of speed and power from the Bills pass rush, assuming he is in the lineup. Names like Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa are able to win by running straight through blockers, essentially. Neither of them are necessarily savvy or flashy pass rushers. But on the edge, Morris will have to remain balanced if he faces either of Rousseau or Epenesa.

On the flip side, the Bills could throw some added speed his way. Von Miller and Leonard Floyd can each flash an electric first step. Morris is gifted with mammoth length. He can surprise opponents with his power at the point of attack. But in the end, if Buffalo attacks him with speed, Morris will have to remain disciplined. Overreaching and leaning will be items to watch if he deals with Miller or Floyd.