No one knows better about what Kansas City Chiefs safety Juan Thornhill went through this season and last than Tyrann Mathieu. In 2013, Mathieu suffered a season-ending left knee injury in Week 14. Two years later he suffered a season-ending right knee injury in Week 15. He’s had to work his way back from both of those injuries each time and it’s never been an easy task.
For Thornhill, it’s taken him nearly a full season after his injury to begin looking like himself. Against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game, Thornhill saw a resurgence in his play and performance. He had four passes defended on the day, showcasing his range and making plays on the ball often.
“I think Juan (Thornhill) is coming into his own, once again,” Mathieu told reporters on Thursday. “Obviously, everybody has expectations for every player, but I think for him, it was all about taking his time. He was coming off a really big injury that really affects defensive backs in reacting and things like that. I think the more games he’s played in, the more plays he’s made, his confidence is just continuing to grow.”
Following Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens, Thornhill stressed to reporters his need to be confident as it related to making plays.
“It’s going to come, just be confident,” Thornhill told himself.
Well, now the plays are starting to come for Thornhill. He’s beginning to recapture what made him so special during his rookie campaign. Mathieu thought that the AFC title game was his best game of the season.
“I think last week was probably one of his best games just from him reading, reacting and bursting to the ball,” Mathieu continued. “I know he’s licking his chops to get back on the field. We’ll have another big opportunity and challenge for us, and I know he’s going to come through and make some plays for us.”
It was tough on Thornhill, not being out there with his teammates in Super Bowl LIV last year. As he begins to again look like the dominant player that he was during his rookie season, he’ll get the opportunity to make his mark in Super Bowl LV.
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