Tag: Dave Merritt

Chiefs Dave Merritt comments on injuries in the secondary: ‘The next guy is ready’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt comments on injuries in the secondary: ‘The next guy is ready’ | @EdEastonJr

The excessive injuries on the Kansas City Chiefs roster haven’t stopped them from winning this season, but it’s still a concern. Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt spoke with reporters on Thursday about the challenges of dealing with injuries, especially in the secondary.

“I go back, and I think back to the AFC Championship game when LJ (L’Jarius Sneed) went down, and all of a sudden, Josh (Williams) had to go in the game and play after five snaps,” said Merritt. And so not that you want to see this happen, but you know, when you’ve had injuries, the amount of injuries that we’ve had guys in and out, you want to make sure that the next guy is ready.”

The Chiefs recently dealt with injuries to Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson and the season-ending loss of Jaylen Watson. Veteran cornerback Steven Nelson was signed to the practice squad this week as insurance for the postseason.

“We always try to teach our guys and make sure that everyone understands the role that they need to go in and be ready to play. And with that comes a lot of responsibility on the players to make sure they know what they’re doing when the defense is called. So, but it’s not easy.” said Merritt. “You wish everyone would stay healthy. I’m quite sure all the other 30-plus teams would want the same thing. But once you have an injury, you have to be able to overcome it, and hopefully, your next guy is ready to go because everyone’s a starter when you’re in the room.”

Merritt and the coaching staff’s continued confidence in their young secondary has been crucial in their development. The group is essential in their hopes of three-peating as Super Bowl champions.

Taylor Swift with special treat for Chiefs assistant coach

What did Taylor Swift bake for Chiefs assistant coach David Merritt?

Taylor Swift is taking care of her Kansas City Chiefs “family.”

David Merritt Sr., DB coach since 2019, was happy to receive home-made Pop-Tarts from the pop queen.

The gesture genuinely touched Merritt.

Chiefs Dave Merritt reveals his thoughts on third-year defensive back: ‘I trust him’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt reveals his thoughts on Joshua Williams: ‘I trust him’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt opened up about the status of cornerback Joshua Williams during Friday’s press conference.

“When Jaylen Watson was playing a lot, I told Josh (Williams), ‘Stay ready. Your time is going to come.'” said Merritt. “Sure enough, it definitely came, in a way that we (didn’t expect) it to come, but Josh is one of those young men who works better when you give them more reps in practice, probably 90% of our locker room. Once you give them more reps and they get more comfortable, they can go out and execute what we’re asking them to do.”

Williams has shared time with teammate Nazeeh Johnson, who is replacing the injured Watson. The former Fayetteville State standout has gotten extra reps while Johnson recovers from his concussion. Merritt reminded reporters of Williams stepping in admirably during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals last season.

“You guys remember when he went in the game for LJ (L’Jarius) Sneed, Cincinnati (Bengals) game after what four or five plays?” said Merritt. “The kid continued to play well through the rest of the Super Bowl runs. So, two years of experience, postseason, the kid has been in there, so I’m not going to skip a beat. I trust him, and I believe that he’s going to do well.”

The Week 9 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is another opportunity for Williams to prove he can handle the starting role.

Chiefs Dave Merritt shares insight into the second starting cornerback competition

Kansas City #Chiefs Dave Merritt shares insight into the second starting cornerback competition | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into their second preseason game this Saturday with plenty of eyes on their secondary.

Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt has worked with all the defensive backs throughout offseason workouts and training camp. He spoke with reporters after Wednesday’s practice about his aligned vision with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo in the search for a second starting cornerback.

“Same thing, you want a guy to step up,” said Merritt. “I mean, 35-Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams have played a lot of football for us. Nazeeh Johnson, of course, is coming back from a knee injury, but you want someone to step up and be able to claim that position and not have a guy rotating and always looking over his shoulder, and so, but we’re looking for the same thing, i echo what Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) said.”

Merritt believes every defensive back in the secondary will be utilized anyway, but having a foundation set of two starters in personnel is essential.

“We have a great thing going here because, you know, the Fab Five, all those guys have played a lot,” said Merritt. “So with 35 and 2, Josh and Jaylen, either guy that goes in there and starts for us, you have to understand, we normally play six DBs on the field, sometimes five, because the NFL puts out three wide receivers, and so these both guys are starters anyway,” said Merritt. “So we (are) really just talking about base personnel when it’s just two wide receivers in the game.”

The following two preseason games will be critical in the coaches’ assessment of the secondary. Merritt’s mentions of Watson and Williams at cornerback indicate where he might be leaning decision-wise.

Chiefs DB Jaden Hicks embraces playing multiple positions in the secondary

Chiefs DB Jaden Hicks embraces playing multiple positions in the secondary | @EdEastonJr

The hot days at training camp are underway for the Kansas City Chiefs rookie class as they get a head start adjusting to life in the NFL.

The Chiefs drafted Jaden Hicks in the fourth round of April’s NFL Draft with hopes to utilize his versatility. He spoke with reporters on Wednesday about the challenge of learning multiple positions and the help he’s gotten so far from the coaching staff.

“It’s pretty difficult just because it’s multiple positions. But, I mean, it’s going to help me long term and overall, just because I know where multiple spots are at, and multiple places,” said Hicks. “So it’ll help me overall, and that’s what I just try to lock in and realize: that’s what it’s going to be at, and, wherever, whatever happens, I can play wherever.”

Hicks was a starter in his last year at Washington State but made his mark in 2022, starting 11 of 13 games and had 76 tackles, one interception, and one sack. He spoke highly of Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt’s influence.

“He’s a great coach. Very detailed guy. He makes sure our communication is on there and always up to date.” said Hicks. “He’s just a good coach to be around, having your corner, making sure we’re all on the same page. Again, the communication is at a high level.”

Hicks joins a young and talented secondary with multiple players trying to improve their stock for more playing time.

Rasheed Wallace responds to NBA vs. NFL debates, offers suggestion to Chiefs coach Dave Merritt

Rasheed Wallace responds to NBA vs. NFL debates, offers suggestion to Kansas City #Chiefs DB coach Dave Merritt | @EdEastonJr

NFL players’ versatility is rarely matched due to the many different facets of the game. The Kansas City Chiefs have a roster filled with former track runners, a rugby star, and other elite-level multiple sports athletes.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to former NBA All-Star Rasheed Wallace about the infamous comments regarding basketball players in the NFL from Austin Rivers, his advice for defensive backs coach Dave Merritt, and his all-time favorite Chiefs starting tight end.

“Let me tell you this; no, it’s too much physical content,” Wallace explained of Rivers’ remarks. “We have physical contact in basketball, but football is extra, so they wear the pads. And so it’s like, Nah, it’s not as easy as he thinks. Just imagine being a DB (Defensive Back), and here it is: I gotta cover either the main receiver, the slot receiver, or the second receiver.

“But every play, this mug is running at least 25, 30 yards downfield, knowing he’s not getting the ball, and then what is he doing, jogging back to the huddle and setting it all up again, like repetition, things like that. It would drive us crazy. But no, it’s a different mindset you have to have with football because you have a different physicality as I can hit you. It’s not a foul, like basketball, a body bump. They will blow that whistle; Austin Rivers was bugging with that.”

Though Wallace disagrees with Rivers’ comments, he expounded on an idea that might help basketball players succeed in the NFL. He explained his unique suggestion to Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt.

“I know a couple of guys that play NFL ball,” Wallace said. “I know coach (Dave) Merritt with the Chiefs. So I told him, Man, one of these days, somebody wants to be smart and draft a basketball player for special teams. If you got a guy who didn’t make the NBA, or he’s not really trying to go overseas, but here he is 6 foot 11, seven feet tall, and he has like a 35 to a 40 inch vertical, all them, 65-67 yard field goals,

“That’s not happening. Yeah, think about it: the further you (The Kicker) are, you gotta level that thing out with that longevity. That’s where that guy who is seven feet tall comes into play. I don’t have to jump over the line. All I gotta do is jump straight.”

https://www.instagram.com/iam_sheeeeeed/reel/C2AfZ4iOdOc/

The long-time Chiefs fan commented on which team legend he would have as a starting tight end on his fantasy all-time team—Tony Gonzalez or Travis Kelce.

“That’s tough. I’m going to have to go with Kelce because he’s still adding to his mark,” said Wallace. “Hey, barring injury, I think he gonna get him.”

‘The Sheed and Tyler Show, ‘ an Underdog Fantasy production, airs new episodes on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

49ers defensive coordinator candidate drags 49ers offense for Super Bowl performance

49ers DC candidate threw some haymakers at 49ers offense for Super Bowl performance.

The 49ers interviewed Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt for their defensive coordinator opening. If he winds up getting the job, Merritt may have some making up to do with some of the the 49ers’ offensive players.

In a radio interview with the Sports Shop in North Carolina, Merritt threw some haymakers at the 49ers’ offense while talking about Steve Wilks’ firing.

Merritt’s words may come across as harsh, but he was making the (correct) point that Wilks wouldn’t have been fired for just one game, and that his ouster had to have been part of a bigger picture problem.

“Their offense went 3-for-12 on third down,” Merritt said. “Our offense went 9-for-19, but if your offense is going 3-for-12 on third down, is that Wilks’ fault? If your tight end who’s All-Pro, Kittle, only has one catch for four yards, is that Wilks’ fault? Therefore, you can feed McCaffrey all you want to, but he needs help. And then number 11, who was trying to fight all game, Ako, whatever, I don’t know. He only had 40-something yards, was that Wilks’ fault?”

He used San Francisco’s rough offensive outing as evidence that their defense wasn’t the problem in the team’s Super Bowl loss. That’s a fine and fair argument to make, but it’s still not something the 49ers offensive players and staff will love to hear.

To make matters worse, Merritt didn’t know the name of 49ers leading receiver Brandon Aiyuk. That’s not uncommon among NFL coaches who typically refer to opposing players by number for clarity on tape and matchups, but still it’s just additional insult to injury after one of the most devastating losses in San Francisco history.

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Dave Merritt: It ‘would be a dream come true’ to return to Giants someday

Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt says it “would be a dream come true” to return to the New York Giants someday.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt spent 14 years with the New York Giants — first as a defensive assistant and quality control coach, then as a defensive assistant, but the majority of his tenure with the team was as a secondary coach and safeties coach.

Even though he’s with the Chiefs now, Merritt still hopes to return to New York one day.

A few years ago, Merritt ran into Giants co-owner John Mara at a league event and made it clear he’d love to return.

“I said it’s getting close to the time for me to come home,” Meritt told Newsday on Monday on opening night of the Super Bowl. “And he kind of looked at me and winked.”

However, Merritt was not contacted for the recently open defensive coordinator role in New York, but that isn’t a deterrent for Merrit.

“If I go back to the Giants in any capacity, that would be a dream come true,” Merritt said. “But I will say this right now: What Mr. Hunt has done here and my feeling toward Kansas City, it is second to none. They are right there with the New York Giants in how they treat me and my family. It’s been great.”

Merritt helped the Giants win two Super Bowls and is now hoping for his third ring with Kansas City. Even though the Giants won’t bring him back in 2024, he is someone who should be high on their list in the future.

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Lawrence Tynes: Giants should give Dave Merritt consideration for DC

Lawrence Tynes believes the New York Giants should give Dave Merritt a look for their vacant defensive coordinator position.

Former New York Giants kicker and two-time Super Bowl champion, Lawrence Tynes, is lobbying for the Giants to hire a former assistant to become the team’s next defensive coordinator.

Dave Merritt served as a Giants defensive assistant from 2004 through 2017 in various roles, the last one as the secondary and safeties coach.

Merritt left the Giants in 2018 and spent one year on the staff of the Arizona Cardinals before rejoining Steve Spagnuolo in Kansas City in 2019, where he has run the Chiefs’ defensive backs for the past four seasons.

Merritt has earned four Super Bowl rings in his career — two with the Giants and two with Kansas City. He is not currently being considered for any of the open NFL coaching vacancies as far as we can find, so the Giants could have a clear path if they choose to hire him.

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Chiefs DB Coach Dave Merritt reveals plan for CB L’Jarius Sneed to avoid penalties

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive back Coach Dave Merritt reveals plan for corner back L’Jarius Sneed to avoid penalties.

The defense has taken center stage this season for the Kansas City Chiefs through their first nine games. The unit has shown grit and resilience through critical moments and clinched victories as the team heads into Week 11 with a 7-2 record.

Chiefs defensive back coach Dave Merritt has worked closely with the secondary and the team’s top cornerback, L’Jarius Sneed. The veteran defensive back is usually charged with covering the top receiver on opposing teams but has struggled with committing penalties. During Friday’s press conference, Merritt discussed the team’s plan to help alleviate the penalized plays for Sneed moving forward.

“Yeah, I think the first thing for L.J. (L’Jarius Sneed) is at the line of scrimmage; nothing is going to change other than lowering his target,” Merritt explained. “He may have had one that was called hands to the face, but the majority of his penalties are going downfield when he’s in phase. And so with that being said, not to get too technical, what LJ is going to have to do and what we’ve been working on and even started working on last week, and hopefully start clicking in is once he’s in phase running down the field with a wide receiver.

“He has to know right now that at that point in time, as you’re reading your keys when that wide receiver sinks his hip, you have to make sure that you just pump the arms. But what he’s doing is grabbing, he’s reaching, trying to just hold on almost like a little kid with due to a mommy or daddy when they’re trying to run away from him.”

Sneed has been flagged 12 times this season for holding and pass interference. Merritt and the coaching staff believe he can still get past the infractions and turn it around in the second half of the year.

“He’s like grabbing. And so he’s just got to trust that my ability is good enough to run the route with him,” said Merritt, “And so, that’s one of the things we’re working on. But the majority of them, again, are happening once he gets in phase downfield. So that’s what we’re working on.”

The Chiefs secondary will have to deal with several weapons from the Philadelphia Eagles this Monday in the much-anticipated Super Bowl rematch.