By Jeremy
Three games into his NFL career, Kahlil Benson has gone from undrafted rookie to the Chiefs’ starting left tackle to the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Month for September. That’s an incredible story for Kansas City, but it doesn’t guarantee that Patrick Mahomes’ blind side is secure. As the Chiefs head to Las Vegas on Sunday, a more pressing question arises: How will Benson’s impressive start hold up when Maxx Crosby comes barreling at him?
A real achievement, not a final verdict
Benson started all three September games at left tackle and has yet to allow a sack. That’s a significant accomplishment for a player who joined the Chiefs on a rookie-minicamp tryout. He also became the first offensive player to win a Rookie of the Month award since Kareem Hunt in December 2017. Benson deserves the recognition, but Chiefs fans should enjoy this moment without assuming the left tackle position is completely settled.
There’s a big difference between handling your first three starts and proving you can consistently deal with every challenge that comes your way. An award reflects what Benson has achieved so far, but Crosby will be focused solely on the next snap. For a young tackle, one tough series can be more impactful than a month of accolades.
The matchup belongs to the whole offense
With Josh Simmons still sidelined due to a back injury, Benson’s preparation becomes even more crucial. However, his success won’t rely solely on him. Kansas City can lend a hand with chips, tight end alignments, and a passing game that allows Mahomes to operate without having to wait for every route to develop. Running the ball effectively can also keep the offense out of predictable passing situations. None of this takes away from Benson’s task; it’s simply how a team addresses a formidable pass rusher.
That said, the individual test remains. Benson must stay composed when Crosby adjusts his approach, avoid penalties that could set the Chiefs back, and bounce back from any bad plays. Expecting him to completely shut down Crosby for four quarters would be unrealistic. Instead, the goal is to provide Mahomes with workable pockets often enough for the offense to function, which is a more reasonable standard than demanding a flawless outing.
What Chiefs fans should watch
This Sunday features an AFC West clash between two teams that are both 3-0 as they head into Week 4. In such a high-stakes matchup, protection breakdowns can turn into drive-ending disasters in a flash. Keep an eye on whether Kansas City can maintain their rhythm and how Benson performs as the game progresses—not just on whether Crosby ends up with a sack.
Benson has earned the right to be taken seriously. Now he has the opportunity to demonstrate how much he has grown, with the understanding that even a tough day won’t diminish the accomplishments of September. The award is a reason for optimism, but Sunday could remind us to temper that enthusiasm with realism.
Benson’s gonna face a real test against Crosby; it’s all about quick adjustments and keeping Mahomes clean. If they can establish the run early, it’ll make Benson’s job easier and allow the offense to flow. Keep an eye on those chip blocks.
I’m really nervous about Benson holding up against Crosby. One slip-up could lead to disaster for Mahomes. Let’s hope the line can protect him, but I’ve got my concerns.