The Kansas City Chiefs have seldom used rookie LB Willie Gay Jr. this season, with just 25.2% of the snaps through the first 11 weeks. His utilization so far this season only seems to come when the Chiefs are in their base defense, with three linebackers on the field. Traditionally speaking, this is one of the least used defensive formations for Kansas City, with the nickel and dime sub-packages much more prevalent.
When the rookie linebacker has had the chance to play, Gay Jr. has shown that the game isn’t too big for him. He’s also been one of the Chiefs’ most productive linebackers. In the three games where Gay Jr. has played in more than 30 snaps, he’s recorded 15 total tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, one QB hit and two passes defended.
Remember the 43-yard run from #Raiders RB Devontae Booker in Week 5? Yeah, #Chiefs LB Willie Gay Jr. saved another long Booker run from happening in Week 11. He's so stinkin' quick to the ball. Only a five-yard gain, could have been much more. pic.twitter.com/av0Q01eK1o
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) November 24, 2020
It’s not just the stat sheet that is impressive with Gay Jr. either. His play speed is noticeably different compared to other linebackers on the field. He has an extra gear that they simply don’t have. It’s not surprising given his athletic profile and the fact that he earned the nickname “Turbo” from his teammates earlier this offseason.
Not sure how you watch him play and come away with anything other than, "He needs to play every down." Starts at the opposite hash, shot out of a cannon to stop this play. If Gay Jr. doesn't make this tackle this could be 7 points instead of 7 yards for Waller. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/FFMFWw3hJt
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) November 24, 2020
There wasn’t a lot of good to take away from the Chiefs’ defensive performance in Week 11. They gave up a lot of catches, first downs and points in Las Vegas. One of the few bright spots was Gay Jr. coming out and proving once again that he can play at a high level when called upon. He’s making plays in the passing game and in the run game. He’s affecting the quarterback — something the Chiefs aren’t doing enough of this season.
The problem is that Gay Jr. hasn’t been called upon nearly enough to this point of the season. He has just three games with 30 or more snaps, two coming against the Raiders and the third coming against the Broncos. With the bye week behind us and six weeks left in the season, it’s time to unleash the rookie and see what he’s capable of outside of the snaps he’s getting in the base defense.
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