Ex-KC Chiefs starter struggled in Week 1 debut with Atlanta Falcons

The Kansas City Chiefs released veteran offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor earlier this year after the former Florida Gator struggled to establish himself as a consistent contributor on the team's front five. Taylor signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent and made his first start for the Georgi

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The Kansas City Chiefs released veteran offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor earlier this year after the former Florida Gator struggled to establish himself as a consistent contributor on the team's front five.

Taylor signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent and made his first start for the Georgia-based franchise in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, achieving mixed results against a fierce pass rush led by All-Pro sack-master T.J. Watt.

Take a look at this video of a nasty sack that Taylor gave up to Watt in Week 1, which was posted to Twitter by user @Chris_Ferland:

Sack 3: TJ Watt once again 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/hZpDnkFWGL pic.twitter.com/FiAq9cjZv3
— Chris Ferland 🐝 (@chris_ferland) September 13, 2026

Atlanta had third-string quarterback Cooper Rush under center for the game, so Taylor's

poor performance wasn't necessarily the biggest problem the Falcons faced in their Week 1 defeat.

While Taylor is likely to improve as he acclimates himself to Atlanta's offense, his outing against Pittsburgh may prove to be evidence that Kansas City was wise to move on from him in the 2026 offseason.

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Ex-KC Chiefs starter struggled in Week 1 debut with Atlanta Falcons