Patrick Mahomes had a message for Kahlil Benson before the rookie walked into the biggest moment of his young career. With the Kansas City Chiefs preparing to face the Denver Broncos in Week 1, Mahomes reminded the young offensive tackle to trust his work and keep improving.

Benson had been competing for a starting job during the preseason, but Josh Simmons’ back injury forced a change. The undrafted rookie was moved to left tackle for his first NFL start, despite never playing the position during his college career at Indiana.

“I’ve seen the work he’s put in—he’s gotten better and better—he has all the physical abilities," Patrick Mahomes said, according to Sleeper Chiefs.

Benson then went out and handled the opportunity well. NFL Next Gen Stats credited him with allowing just one pressure on 32 pass-blocking snaps. He also faced Denver pass rusher Nik Bonitto 15 times, including 14 one-on-one matchups, and gave up only one pressure.

"And now it’s about going out there and learning from his mistakes and getting better each and every week,” Mahomes said on September 24, according to Sleeper Chiefs.

Among the four rookie tackles who played at least 29 pass-blocking snaps in Week 1, Benson had the lowest pressure rate. He was also the only one who did not allow a sack.

Benson helped the Chiefs come away with a 31-10 win, while Mahomes returned exactly nine months after tearing his ACL against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Now, Benson heads into Week 3 with that first NFL start behind him and Mahomes’ message still applying: keep learning, keep working and get better every week.

Benson passed his first major test, but the Chiefs know the next one could look very different. Andy Reid believes opposing teams will now have more information to work with.

Can Kahlil Benson keep his momentum going for the Chiefs?

Kahlil Benson has made a solid start at left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, but Andy Reid knows the rookie is about to face a different kind of test.

Benson was not expected to take over the position after Josh Simmons suffered a back injury during training camp. Reid chose the undrafted rookie instead, and Benson has handled the opportunity well through the first two games.

“He’s done a nice job,” Reid said Wednesday, according to Heavy. “We’re early in it, and he’s one of the young guys, but for what we’re asking him to do, he’s done a heck of a job. Every week’s a new week, and the more people are able to study him, then you’re going to get different looks, and you got to be able to answer that."

Benson has already faced strong pass rushers such as Nik Bonitto and DeForest Buckner. Now, opposing defenses have more film to study, making his next test different.

“He’s putting in the work, and that’s been great to see. He’s learning from his mistakes and getting better,” Mahomes said.

For Benson, the next step is showing he can keep that progress going as teams begin to know his game better.

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit