'We all are close and tight knit' – Chiefs RT Jawaan Taylor on who he credits for getting the offensive line prepared
Kansas City's offensive line will have its hands full with a good Eagles' defense during Super Bowl LIX. Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor is confident that they will be well prepared for the task at hand, thanks to offensive line coach Andy Heck. "We owe a lot to coach Heck," Taylor said. "He's a phenomenal […]
Kansas City's offensive line will have its hands full with a good Eagles' defense during Super Bowl LIX.
Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor is confident that they will be well prepared for the task at hand, thanks to offensive line coach Andy Heck.
"We owe a lot to coach Heck," Taylor said. "He's a phenomenal coach, and does a great job with us throughout the week and getting us prepared for the game, so we just have to go execute."
A former 11-year NFL offensive tackle, Heck has been an offensive line coach in the league for 20 years. He has been with the Chiefs since 2013, helping develop good lineman such as Eric Fisher, Mitchell Schwartz, Mitch Morse, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Nick Allegretti and Joe Thuney.
Taylor also credited the other members of the Chiefs' offensive line for their success.
"(We) also have great guys in the room.," Taylor said. "Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, the list goes on and on. And I feel we just have a great unit as well. We all are close and tight knit. We trust one another."
After a rocky start to the season, K.C.'s offensive line got it together down the stretch and has played well over the last couple of months. It really came together when Thuney took over at left tackle. Taylor has held the right side down all year long, but continues to face scrutiny for moving out of his stance before the ball is snapped.
There's a little bit of wiggle room that linemen have as they jump the snap count. Sometimes Taylor is too early and gets hit with a false start penalty, but other times he gauges it just right. Taylor was asked if he feels singled out over it since many other lineman across the league also do it.
"I'm not sure, man," Taylor said. "Maybe because it's bigger games and stuff like that. I'm not sure, but I just try to make sure I fixed it and get better with it as well."
It will be crucial to the Chiefs' success against Philadelphia on Sunday for the offensive line to block well and keep quarterback Patrick Mahomes upright. The Eagles have a lot of talent in their front seven, such as Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, and Josh Sweat. Taylor has had some bigtime performances this year, allowing zero pressures in games against elite pass rushers in Maxx Crosby and T.J. Watt.