Sep 19, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Jon Asamoah (73) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City lost five players on the first day of free agency more than two weeks ago, but the shock of theses losses have yet to fully sink in with many distraught fans. In our ongoing “So Long” series, we say goodbye to another heartbreaker: guard Jon Asamoah.
Jon Asamoah was a third round pick in the famed 2010 Scott Pioli Draft of the Century. He started 41 games in four seasons, including 31 starts from 2011-2012.
Inconsistency was an issue for him. In 2011 Pro Football Focus gave Asamoah a quality +13.5 pass block grade but a below average -6.9 run block grade. The next season, Asamoah improved his run blocking and received a +8.0 run block grade, but it came at the detriment to his pass blocking grade which crashed to +3.7.
A scheme change to a pass heavy offense in 2013 led to a mediocre performance from Asamoah. Injuries plus performance caused him to lose his starting job to Geoff Schwartz after week 11. In his final game with the Chiefs, a playoff game against Indianapolis, Asamoah accumulated a -1.3 PFF overall grade in just nine snaps.
Kansas City expected more out of the highly touted Asamoah, who, like left guard Jeff Allen, came from Illinois with a great deal of promise. He will reunite with the Dark Lord in Atlanta, armed with a hefty contract, to try and live up to his potential.
So long, Jon Asamoah. May the lyrics of Ray Charles guide you in your pursuit of consistency and unachieved promise.