Chiefs news: The undrafted rookie out of Indiana who outplayed every peer in Week 1
The Kansas City Chiefs entered their Week 1 Monday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos with a handful of question marks. The team missed the playoffs for the first time during the Patrick Mahomes era last season, and many wondered if the magic was gone. Mahomes himself was set to play his first game back from a speedy ACL recovery, and […] The post Chiefs news: The undrafted rookie out…
The Kansas City Chiefs faced the Denver Broncos in Week 1, with many questions hanging over the team. Patrick Mahomes was set to return from an ACL injury, and the Chiefs had lost several key defensive players. Left tackle Josh Simmons also missed the game due to a back issue, which pushed Khalil Benson into the starting lineup at left tackle.
Despite being an undrafted rookie from Indiana, Benson held his own against the Broncos' formidable defense. In 32 pass-blocking snaps, Benson allowed just one pressure, resulting in a 3.2% pass-rushing success rate – the best among all rookies that week, including three first-round picks. This remarkable performance came against a Broncos defense that had recorded 68 sacks the previous season, the fifth-best in NFL history.
Benson neutralized the star defensive player of the year, Nik Bonitto, displaying exceptional skill. The Chiefs' offense also shone, reigniting expectations for a dynasty. It remains uncertain whether Benson will retain his starting role once Simmons returns, but his performance left no doubt about his potential as a contributor for the future.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
