Secret superstars of the divisional playoffs

Though any are unknown, every player in the postseason has the opportunity to turn that around. Here are eight such players.

Kansas City Chiefs: CB Charvarius Ward

(Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

Evaluating cornerbacks by their interception totals is just as futile an endeavor as evaluating pass-rushers by their sack totals. You have to see the whole picture with cornerbacks — the schemes they’re in, how they’re asked to shadow receivers, and how much help they get from safeties and linebackers. Because if you look at Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward, a second-year undrafted guy out of Middle Tennessee State, and you look at his two career interceptions — both in the 2019 season — you might make the mistake of thinking that he’s just another guy in just another secondary.

Not so in either case. In the second half of the 2019 season, the Chiefs’ defense has turned from liability to strength. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has a lot to do with that. Based on my own film study, “monsterback” Tyrann Mathieu has everything to do with it. But Ward has been highly prolific this season, both in the frequency and effectiveness of his appearances.

Ward (No. 35) may not have an interception since Week 6 against the Texans, but he’s become one of the most important kinds of defenders any team can have — the island cornerback who can shut down speed receivers on vertical and boundary routes. His ability to take receivers up the chute without safety help gives Mathieu and Kansas City’s other safeties tremendous freedom, as shown on this incompletion from Aaron Rodgers to receiver Marquez Reshard Valdes-Scantling (No. 83) in Kansas City’s 31-24 Week 8 loss to the Packers. This is everything you want from a cornerback who has to break down passing plays alone — he establishes outside position, matches Valdes-Scantling’s movement, and never gives him a chance to catch the ball.

Ward allowed three catches on four targets for 32 yards, no touchdowns, and that one interception the last time the Chiefs and Texans squared off; he could be even more of a challenge for Deshaun Watson and his crew this time around.

Danielle Hunter | Dee Ford | Harold Landry III | Matthew Judon |
Duke Johnson, Jr. | Charvarius Ward | Poona Ford | Kenny Clark

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