City-chiefs/20455/”>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to the media on October 3, ahead of their Monday Night Football matchup with the New Orleans Saints.
One of the questions focused on right tackle Jawaan Taylor’s repeated false start and illegal formation penalties dating back to last season. Reid’s response was straightforward.
“Yeah, he’s gotta fix those. I mean, he’s gotta fix it,” Reid stated bluntly. “That’s the bottom line.”
“He’s very quick off the ball and takes a lot of pride in that,” Reid added. “But you’ve got to make sure you’re not offsides. So, he’s gotta take care of that part.”
With confidence, Reid finished by saying that Taylor “will” correct the issue.
Jawaan Taylor’s 29 Penalties Since Joining the Chiefs
Since joining Kansas City in 2023, Taylor has appeared in 25 games (including playoffs) and has been flagged 29 times by NFL officials, according to Pro Football Focus. Twenty-four of those penalties occurred in 2023, when Taylor led all NFL offensive linemen in flags. The second-highest was Mekhi Becton, flagged 18 times, with the third place at just 13.
Only 20 of Taylor’s penalties were during the regular season.
In 2024, Taylor’s struggles have persisted. He’s been flagged five times in four games, placing him in a tie for sixth-most among NFL offensive linemen.
This season, Taylor isn’t alone in his penalty troubles. Four-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil has been flagged 12 times in four starts, leading the league. Five other linemen have drawn six or more flags since Week 1.
Taylor’s Strong Performance Despite Penalties
Despite the penalties, Taylor has been solid on the field, living up to his $80 million contract when not drawing referee attention.
Pro Football Focus has given Taylor the best run-blocking grade of his career in 2024, and he’s been even stronger in pass protection.
In 152 pass-blocking snaps this season, Taylor has allowed only one sack and one quarterback hit. His six allowed quarterback pressures rank third on the Chiefs’ offensive line, behind center Creed Humphrey and left guard Joe Thuney, when considering the combined stats of Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia at left tackle (nine pressures).
As Reid pointed out, the key for Taylor is reducing penalties. If he can accomplish that, he could rise among the NFL’s top offensive tackles.
Chiefs Practice Update: Clyde Edwards-Helaire & Charles Omenihu
In addition to Taylor’s situation, Reid provided updates on other key players during the Week 5 press conference, including running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and defensive ends Charles Omenihu and BJ Thompson.
Edwards-Helaire is set to return to practice after the Chiefs opened his 21-day window to come off the non-football illness list. Reid mentioned that the running back would get some scout team reps on October 3 to ease him back into action. He also noted that Edwards-Helaire is in “good shape,” despite several stomach issues related to PTSD.
Regarding Omenihu’s ACL recovery, Reid’s response was vague but indicated that his return is still some time away. “I think that [return] will be a little bit here,” Reid said.
Finally, on BJ Thompson, Reid noted that the young defensive end is “doing good” but remains under medical supervision. Reid emphasized the need for patience as Thompson continues his recovery from a seizure and cardiac arrest suffered in June.
