Most fans assumed the benching was a disciplinary action for bad play or a missed assignment. Head coach Andy Reid flatly rejected that idea on Monday. He told reporters he never called the move punishment.
“Yeah, no, listen, Todd (Leabo), just so we have it straight, I didn’t say it was punishment ever,” Reid said, according to Yahoo Sports. The coach spoke after the Chiefs lost 28-24 to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Nov. 1. The game ended with a sack and a missed field goal by Harrison Butker.
Reid kept the specific reason for the change hidden. “So, this was just between (OL) Kingsley (Suamataia) and I, working some things out here. So, this isn’t punishment, and I’ll leave it at that,” Reid said.
The Mystery of the Bench
Two theories have floated around Arrowhead Stadium since the news broke. One suggests veteran backup Mike Caliendo is simply doing better work. Caliendo stepped in for Suamataia right before the game started. The coaching staff might just think he is the better choice right now.
Another theory points to practice habits or classroom work as a factor. The coach did not confirm either idea. He only said the issue is being handled directly between him and the player. “This is just between Kingsley and I working some things out here,” Reid said.
Statistical data makes the “bad play” theory seem weak. Suamataia has allowed five quarterback pressures in four games this season. Caliendo allowed five pressures in just one game against Denver. If poor play was the cause, the numbers do not fully back it up.
Reid Shrugs Off the Drama
The coach downplayed the severity of the situation. He noted that Suamataia showed up to practice last week. He also pointed out that Suamataia still played five snaps on special teams during the loss.
This differs from the team’s first benching of Suamataia in Week 4. During that earlier game, the player did not see any action at all. Reid explained the different treatment by saying he did not call it punishment the first time either.
Some worry about internal conflict or a hidden injury. Others hope it is just a simple tactical switch to boost the offensive line. The team has not released any further details.
Focus Shifts to the Jets
The Chiefs now look ahead to their next matchup. On Sunday, Nov. 8, the New York Jets will be hosted at Arrowhead Stadium by the home team.head Stadium by the home team. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET. The team needs to fix its offensive line issues before then.
The loss to Denver sent the Broncos into first place in the AFC West. In that game, the Chiefs received 11 penalties totaling 105 yards. Those numbers set season highs for the team.
Fans will watch to see if Suamataia starts or if Caliendo returns. The coach promised to keep the details private for now. “I’ll just keep it there,” Reid said.
