KC Chiefs’ Skyy Moore getting increased snaps. Here’s where he thinks he’s grown most

Skyy Moore not only was in on the Kansas City Chiefs’ last non-kneel-down possession against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday ... he also was part of two successful plays.

The rookie Moore caught a pair of screens from quarterback Patrick Mahomes on that fourth-quarter drive, going for 8 and 7 yards on first-down receptions.

“I was just trying to do my job, my 1/11th. And thankfully, the plays popped,” Moore told The Star on Wednesday. “It meant a lot, just knowing they trust me to go in there in the game at a crucial moment, let alone get the ball. I’m gonna make the best out of it and just do what I can.”

Those were Moore’s only two catches in Monday’s win, but his overall playing trend continues to tick higher.

Moore played 35% of the Chiefs’ offensive snaps against the Raiders, the fourth straight week that number increased. His previous snap percentages this season were 19% (in Week 1 against Arizona), 4%, 13% and 28%.

“I feel like the coaching staff’s got a plan for me,” Moore said. “I’m gonna follow their lead and just continue to do what I can for the team.”

Moore says he’s gaining comfort every week. He feels he’s “getting better at everything” while also increasing his knowledge of coach Andy Reid’s offense.

“I’m in a great spot, I would say. Two months ago — myself back then — would be proud of myself now,” Moore said. “I feel like I’m in a real good spot, and I’m ready for everything that they throw at me.”

Moore was upfront about some of his challenges before the season began, saying his primary goal was to get where the offense became more second nature. In essence, the second-round draft pick wanted to continue learning in an effort to think less on the field so he could focus solely on making plays.

That’s started to happen more in recent weeks. A small example: Moore says he’s running out of the huddle with greater confidence now, understanding exactly where he needs to line up, what his upcoming route is and how he needs to execute it against different defensive looks.

“It just comes with being in the system,” Moore said. “The longer you’re in the system, the more you feel comfortable and the more free you play.”

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Moore has helped the offense in other ways too. For instance, he played a key part in Jerick McKinnon’s momentum-changing 30-yard run in the second quarter, popping Raiders 240-pound linebacker Denzel Perryman on a block to help open his teammate’s rushing lane.

According to Pro Football Focus, Moore ranked as the Chiefs’ top-graded run-blocker against the Raiders, and he’s also earned a top-seven grade on the Chiefs’ offense each of the last two weeks.

“He’s been doing his thing as a young rookie, just absorbing it,” fellow Chiefs receiver and six-year NFL veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster said. “That’s one thing about Skyy: He’s like a sponge. He soaks up every (bit of) information he gets. He goes out there and plays (with) heart.”

The next personal goal for Moore: A continued emphasis on simply relaxing and playing when he gets his opportunity.

“It’s really just the same game since I’ve been playing since 5 years old, and just understanding that and letting the game come to me,” Moore said. “Like Coach Reid always says, just let my personality show.”

He should have plenty of opportunity in the coming weeks, along with the rest of the Chiefs’ rookie class. Many of those 10 — like Moore — have been asked to play through their inexperience with the belief that their best days are ahead.

“We’re just starting to get rolling, and we’re gonna continue to keep getting better,” Moore said. “And I think we’re gonna peak at the right time.