Wanya Morris Film Breakdown

Wanya Morris impressed in his first real extended action on the NFL field, let's see how!

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off of yet another disappointing loss in which they fell well short of expectations. This has become quite the trend on the offensive side of the ball this year but the defense joined in on the lack of fun against the Green Bay Packers. In fact, the Chiefs’ offense continued to show signs that they have figured out a baseline offensive structure that can have success. The issue came when they had to do anything above and beyond that baseline to make up for the defense’s first stinker of the year.

What is most frustrating at this juncture is that the same issues that were present in June are still the same issues still slowing them down in December. Rather than continuing to harp on those same few things - wide receiver play, untimely penalties, wide receiver play, lack of discipline, and wide receiver play - let’s look at something fresh this week and what could be more fresh than our first extended look from a Chiefs’ rookie.

The Chiefs’ third round rookie offensive tackle Wanya Morris had to step in for Donovan Smith due to a stinger injury on Sunday night. He initially came in for about half of the first drive before Smith took the role back but Morris then returned to the starting lineup after halftime. Morris had gotten some snaps here and there while Smith missed the occasional snap this season but this was the first extended look we got.

So let’s brush aside all the anger from the Chiefs’ game and take a look at Wanya Morris’ tape!

Wanya Morris Film Breakdown

Structure of the Offense

With it being only a single game, it’s difficult to say how the Chiefs’ offensive gameplan or strategy changed with Morris taking over at LT. The overall structure of the Chiefs passing game seemed similar to the previous week with tons of screens and quick passes. Morris did receive plenty of chip block help throughout the game but that has been present with the starter - Smith - in as well.

In the run game, the Chiefs had their most efficient rushing game of the season from a yards per carry standpoint and the most efficient runs were to Morris’ side. The Chiefs did a good job varying their run play type. Similar to the pass game, nothing specific stood out from a scheme changing perspective with Morris on the field. Now, on to the his actual performance.

Run Blocking

Morris is clearly most comfortable as a run blocker as this point and he’s been excellent when dialed up. The Chiefs have had found success both of the last two weeks when Morris is on the field by running behind him and LG Joe Thuney. They’ve done a great job creating movement, sticking on their blocks, and even working up into the second level quickly.