Chiefs vs. Chargers: 10 exciting things to watch for in a meaningless game
By Tyler Brown
5. Play Wanya Morris, but sit the other four
My left-to-right lineup would be Wanya Morris, Mike Caliendo, Austin Reiter, Nick Allegretti and Lucas Niang. Assuming Donovan Smith would be able to suit up if Morris got injured, I am sure offensive line coach Andy Heck would love to see Morris get one more start in a less stressful environment. Morris is about to go on a playoff run where the rookie will be tasked with protecting Mahomes blindside. Overall, he has been good, but the more reps, the more valuable he becomes.
The rest of the four I mentioned are all one injury away from playing postseason football. Like Gabbert, end-of-season reps against another live opponent are incredibly valuable. I am also sure Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith and Jawaan Taylor could all use an off week as well.
6. Write Chris Jones a check, and see what you have in Neil Farrell
I am of the opinion that no game-changer on the Chiefs' defense should touch grass on Sunday, but that is especially true for Chris Jones. But here’s the deal. Chris Jones can earn 1.25 million in bonuses if he reaches 10 sacks this season and he is currently sitting at 9.5. He cannot play in a meaningless game with the defense being the identity of the 2023 Chiefs.
It is Clark Hunt’s money, not mine, but I have a pretty good feeling that if Jones pinned his ears back and went after Easton Stick for 60 minutes, he would come down with at least half of a sack. Even though Jones held out, it would be a good gesture to a guy that you are about to enter negotiations with again.
It also gives you a great opportunity to see what you got in the guy that you just traded a sixth-round pick for. A sixth does not sound like much, but Veach has been nails in the later rounds, so it has been disappointing to only see Neil Farrell appear in two games and 28 snaps this season. He was a fourth-round pick in 2022 so it is time to see what is in the tank with the depth chart being wide open.