patrick mahomes
Chiefs Gamble Patrick Mahomes' Blind Side Against Broncos' 68-Sack Defense With Unproven Rookie 1
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes prepares for his return to the NFL in Week 1 since recovering from a torn ACL. With preferred left tackle Josh Simmons sidelined by a back injury, the franchise is forced to turn to undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson to guard the blind side.
Mahomes completed a rigorous recovery following December surgery. Now, head coach Andy Reid must rely on untested rookie protection against a dominant Denver Broncos defense, creating high-stakes pressure for the opening matchup.
Andy Reid backs Kahlil Benson before his first start
Benson is expected to make his first NFL start at left tackle when the Chiefs host Denver on Monday night. The undrafted rookie played at Indiana and Colorado before signing a three-year, $3.1 million deal with Kansas City. Given the present circumstances, Benson may be the man slated to protect Mahomes in the opener.
The rookie was not Kansas City’s first choice for the job. Simmons had been the preferred left tackle before his back injury forced the team to change plans. Jaylon Moore is expected to move to right tackle, leaving Benson on Mahomes’ blind side. Head coach Andy Reid has also discussed the protection plan ahead of the Denver game.
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Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles against Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
“He’s done a nice job for us. He has obviously shown us that he has the ability to play. We wouldn’t put him in there if we didn’t think that,” Andy Reid said, via Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com.
Reid also gave Benson a simple message before the pressure arrived. “I want his confidence to be that, and just go out and play, just use his abilities and write a good story,” Reid said.
That confidence now gives Benson a clear assignment before Kansas City turns to its bigger Week 1 challenge.
Kahlil Benson faces a difficult test against Denver
Benson will protect a quarterback returning from a torn ACL and LCL. Mahomes missed all three preseason games, and the Chiefs handled his recovery carefully after he suffered the injury in December. Kansas City has already adjusted its plan to protect Mahomes while the line changes.
The assignment becomes harder because Denver led the NFL with 68 sacks last season. Nik Bonitto and the Broncos’ pass rush will test Benson’s footwork, awareness, and ability to handle the speed of an NFL opener. Mahomes cannot afford repeated pressure while he gets comfortable in his return.
Mahomes built his career around seven straight AFC trips, five Super Bowl appearances, and three titles. His recovery has already changed expectations for the Chiefs before Week 1.
Mahomes and the restructured line face an immediate trial by fire against a defense engineered to overwhelm the pocket. The rookie does not need to be perfect, but he must keep the quarterback upright.
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