Tag: Defense

From the UFL to NFL, Dondrea Tillman is making the most of his opportunity with Broncos

Dondrea Tillman joined the Broncos after winning three titles with the UFL’s Birmingham Stallions. He recorded two sacks in his NFL debut.

Dondrea Tillman has had quite a football journey.

After playing college football at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Tillman spent two years out of football. He then got an opportunity to play in The Spring League in 2021.

The pass rusher’s performance in that league impressed coaches from the Birmingham Stallions, who used a third-round pick to select Tillman in the 2022 USFL draft. Tillman went on to win three straight titles with the Stallions (two in the USFL and one in the UFL this spring).

Tillman dominated spring football and the Denver Broncos signed him following the conclusion of the UFL’s 2024 season. After the Broncos lost Baron Browning to a foot injury, Tillman was promoted to the 53-man roster ahead of the team’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3.

Making his NFL debut on Sunday, Tillman became the first Denver player since at least 1970 to record two sacks in his debut.

https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1838247470415155682

“We weren’t going to just let the other three play 60 snaps or 50 snaps,” coach Sean Payton said of the outside linebacker rotation. “A guy like that was coming up, he’s got to be playing in the kicking game and then getting snaps on defense. I was pleased with his effort.

“He’s strong. I’ve mentioned earlier in the week, we’ve seen a lot from him. I was excited to see him take advantage of the opportunity.”

The Broncos’ defense dominated from start to finish with seven sacks and two takeaways in a 26-7 victory. Tillman finished the day with three total tackles and his two sacks resulted in the loss of 18 yards for Tampa Bay.

https://twitter.com/mikeklis9news/status/1837950675134677318

“It feels great,” Tillman said after the game, via the Denver Post‘s Parker Gabriel. “It’s been a lot of time. I’ve been waiting for this. It’s a dream come true. It’s really a blessing.”

After impressing in his first NFL game, the 26-year-old Tillman figures to remain a part of Denver’s pass rush rotation going forward.

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5 takeaways from Broncos’ 26-7 win over Bucs in Week 3

The Broncos defeated the Bucs 26-7 on Sunday. Here are five quick takeaways from the upset win.

The Denver Broncos (1-2) upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) with a 26-7 victory on the road in Week 3. Here are five quick takeaways from the win.

1. Pat Surtain continues to lock down WR1s: PS2 followed Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans for most of Sunday’s game and the receiver finished the day with just two catches for 17 yards. Surtain essentially took quarterback Baker Mayfield’s favorite target out of the game.

2. Tyler Badie needs more opportunities: Javonte Williams averaged a dismal 2.4 yards per carry and Jaleel McLaughlin was even worse with 1.4 YPC (although he did score with a really nice juke). Tyler Badie provided a huge spark in the second half with nine carries for 70 yards (including a 43-yard run). Badie averaged 7.8 YPC on Sunday and while his average might go down with more touches, he deserves more opportunities.

3. Alex Palczewski filled in well at right tackle: You didn’t hear Palczewski’s name much on Sunday, did you? That’s a great sign for the second-year lineman who is filling in for an injured Mike McGlinchey. ‘Palcho’ did not prove to be a liability as quarterback Bo Nix wasn’t sacked once and Denver’s offense finished the day with 352 net yards.

4. Denver’s defense came to play: That’s the kind of performance the Broncos’ defense is capable of when the offense builds a lead. Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield was sacked seven times and he threw an interception. The defense also forced and recovered a fumble. Traveling Denver fans also showed up and you could hear them chanting, “Defense! Defense!” in the fourth quarter. An excellent showing from the Broncos’ defense and the team’s fans in Tampa.

5. Bo Nix bounced back well: After struggling in his first two starts, Nix took a big step forward on Sunday. The rookie quarterback finished the game 25-of-36 passing for 216 yards with no sacks and no turnovers. He also rushed nine times for 47 yards and a touchdown. It was an excellent showing from Nix and a great sign of progress from the rookie quarterback.

Up next for Denver is another road game against the New York Jets in Week 4. The Broncos will practice in West Virginia leading up to that game.

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Chris Jones is approaching a Chiefs legend on the franchise’s most career sacks list

Chris Jones is approaching a Kansas City #Chiefs legend Justin Houston on the franchise’s most career sacks list | @EdEastonJr

The 2024 regular season is entering its third week, and multiple players are already approaching milestones for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones spoke to the media on Thursday about moving up the franchise’s most career sacks list.

“Listen, those are the guys that came in here and laid the foundation for me to look forward to and try to one day even get close to their names and stuff,” said Jones. “When you go from players like (Chiefs 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee) Tamba Hali, (Former NFL player) Justin Houston, and most importantly (PFHOF) Derrick Thomas, who is the all-time (sack) leader, I think, at 126.5 (sacks) – but who’s counting?

Jones is trailing four Chiefs legends on the all-time sacks leaders list, with Justin Houston being the closest to overtake this season. Houston stands at 78.5 sacks, with Jones currently only two behind after having last week’s half a sack rescinded by the NFL.

“You look up to those types of guys because they set the foundation of what greatness should look like and what to be superior looks like,” said Jones. “When my name is even mentioned at the bottom of that category, it’s an honor, but there’s still a lot of more work to do.”

Jones was unhappy about his half-sack being taken away but is poised to continue to add to his career resume.

Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) feeling better, expected to play Week 3

Marshon Lattimore missed last week’s game, but it’s expected he’ll be able to suit up as the Saints take on the Eagles — who are without A.J. Brown

This story was updated to add new information.

The Philadelphia Eagles will be down one of their lead receivers Sunday as A.J. Brown is still recovering from a hamstring injury. On the other side of the ball, the New Orleans Saints could be getting Marshon Lattimore back from a hamstring injury of his own.

The cornerback was a full participant on Friday and had no injury designation on the final injury report, meaning he’s expecting to play.

Lattimore missed the Week 2 matchup versus the Dallas Cowboys due to an injury suffered against the Carolina Panthers. Lattimore was a game-time decision. Ultimately, Dennis Allen held the cornerback out to keep from further injury.

Kool-Aid McKinstry joined Alontae Taylor and Paulson Adebo as the three cornerbacks in the secondary. Lattimore hopes to rejoin the lineup in Week 3.

When looking at the lead up to Week 2. It was clear Lattimore was close to ready. Allen’s tone after the game felt like the corner would have a good chance playing this week.

After the week off, Lattimore feels healthier. He actually practiced this week, which he didn’t do last week. Allen thought the cornerback would be mad at him for the decision. In the moment, maybe he was, but Lattimore agreed it was the right call to sit in hindsight.

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Saints vs. Eagles is a revenge game for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Zack Baun

Former New Orleans Saints defenders C.J. Gardner-Johnson return to the Caesars Superdome, but this time as members of the Philadelphia Eagles:

The New Orleans Saints versus Philadelphia Eagles is better known in certain circles as the C.J. Gardner Johnson and Zack Baun revenge game.

It’s unclear if Baun has any animosity towards the Saints, but Gardner-Johnson certainly held a grudge upon his departure. There was even a point where he called the Saints his favorite opp.

Ironically, the Saints have played Gardner-Johnson’s team in each of the past two seasons. The safety has been unable to dress out, however, due to injuries. He did miss Thursday’s practice with a foot issue so he may miss this revenge game for the third year in a row.

Gardner-Johnson rose to prominence as one of the best nickel corners and trash talkers in the league with New Orleans. Since departing he has transitioned into becoming a safety. He was punched in the face again during “Monday Night Football,” so it’s safe to say his position is the only thing that changed.

Baun looked like a star in the making in Week 1. In Brazil, Baun made 15 tackles and had two sacks. That sack total ties his season high with New Orleans from last year. Most surprisingly, he is doing this from inside linebacker. Baun has left the Saints for a more important role. He is a starting linebacker who is going to beat all of his season high marks possibly before Week 5.

The Saints offense will look to exploit both of their former players and come down with a third straight victory.

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Bills’ Rasul Douglas on Christian Benford: ‘He’s got that nasty attitude’

Bills’ Rasul Douglas on Christian Benford: ‘He’s got that nasty attitude’

Buffalo Bills’ third-year cornerback Christian Benford has been impressive since getting his first opportunity in the league as a rookie in 2022, but this year he looks like one of the best all-around corners in the NFL.

The national outlets are starting to catch on, but the Bills’ locker room has always known what they had. Fellow Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas was the latest to praise the up-and-comer:

“He went to a basketball school… Villanova… so I don’t think they were looking for football players,” Douglas said after practice Wednesday. “Whenever he gets around a play he’s gonna make sure you know he’s around. He’s disciplined… he’s got good technique… he just likes playing football and likes competing. That’s the attribute you gotta have if you wanna get out there and get better, and he has that.”

After putting his name on the map in 2023, Benford looked elite in the first two weeks of 2024. According to PFF, he has allowed just a 40% catch rate and has posted the seventh-highest defense grade among all cornerbacks. He’s a big part of the reason why the Bills have three interceptions through two games (T-4 in the NFL), He has an interception of his own and also was closest in coverage as Ja’Marcus Ingram reeled in a deflection for his first-career INT.

Douglas has had his fair share of success in the NFL, too, so his words aren’t something to glance over. He has 19 interceptions in his 8-year career. Douglas is tied with Daron Bland and Justin Simmons for the most interceptions in the NFL since 2021.

The pair of cornerbacks is exactly what Sean McDermott looks for to play on the boundary of his defense: rangy, smart players who can read a QB’s eyes and also come up and tackle when needed.

Speaking of the coach, while complimenting Benford’s successes, he credits Douglas for them too–Both on and off the gridiron.

“It seems like they’ve formed a nice little bond off the field, as well,” McDermott said via video conference. “I think that’s important. Rasul’s been in the league a little bit longer than CB, and he can share some of his wisdom with CB and how things work, and the journey, right, of an NFL corner. That’s been interesting and fun to watch. I think it’s helped CB, as well, and maybe in some ways helped Rasul.”

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Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie evaluates his first two games: ‘I think I’m doing my job good’

Kansas City #Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie evaluates his first two games: ‘I think I’m doing my job good’ | @EdEastonJr

Chiefs All-Pro defensive back Trent McDuffie spoke with reporters on Wednesday about his self-evaluation as the team’s lead cornerback after two games.

“I think I’m doing my job good,” said McDuffie. “Definitely things that I have to clean up on the backend as far as communication, as far as technique wise. (I’m) kind of still getting comfortable out there at the corner position and playing that role that (Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo) wants me to play.”

McDuffie earned his All-Pro honors last season as a slot cornerback and has transitioned to the lead defensive back following the opposing team’s best receiver.

“I thought I did a good job at just making sure everybody knows where I’m at on the field,” said McDuffie. “Having to travel, a lot of guys have to go to different places, so just being vocal about that and just letting people know where I’m at on the field is kind of something that I’m trying to work on a little bit better.”

The Chiefs defense has had mixed reviews through two games, but McDuffie has been impressive in his new role.

Dennis Allen on the decision to not play Marshon Lattimore vs. Cowboys

Dennis Allen explains why Marshon Lattimore sat out Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, even though the New Orleans Saints corner pushed to play:

New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore was a game-time decision against the Dallas Cowboys, and they ultimately didn’t play him — which didn’t keep the Saints from steamrolling the Cowboys in a 44-19 blowout.

The cornerback pulled up with a hamstring injury during the season opener with the Carolina Panthers, which caused him to miss the entirety of practice last week. It was reported Lattimore was pushing to play Sunday morning, and Dennis Allen confirmed this after the game. But Lattimore was held out via coach’s decision to prevent further injury. Allen admitted Lattimore was probably “a little pissed at him.”

What it ultimately came down to is the Saints don’t believe the hamstring issue to be long-lasting, and they want to keep it that way. Allen said he “Didn’t want to risk what we think might be potentially a one-week deal and all of a sudden we turn one week into four weeks.”

By Allen’s remarks and Lattimore’s heavy push to play, it feel as if the cornerback has a good chance to return to action against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3. We’ll look out for him on this week’s injury report.

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Chiefs vs. Bengals: Chamarri Conner scoop-and-score briefly gives K.C. lead

Check out this video of #Chiefs DB Chamarri Conner’s scoop-and-score against the Cincinnati #Bengals in Week 2.

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to win their second-straight game this week in a heated rivalry matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the two teams were in the midst of a back-and-forth game that featured scores on almost every possession.

When the Bengals had possession early in the fourth quarter, quarterback Joe Burrow fumbled the ball, which led to a scoop-and-score touchdown from second-year safety Chamarri Conner.

Take a look at this video of the play below, which was posted by the Chiefs’ official Twitter account:

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1835450307322462562

Conner’s score gave Kansas City a one-point lead, but the Chiefs were unable to capitalize on a two-point conversion attempt. Cincinnati managed to score a field goal on the ensuing drive and currently holds a two-point lead over Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium.

Stay tuned to see if the Chiefs can make a fourth-quarter comeback against their AFC rivals.

Chiefs DB Jaylen Watson showed off sticky coverage vs Ravens

#Chiefs DB Jaylen Watson showed off his exceptional coverage ability in Kansas City’s Week 1 win over the Baltimore #Ravens.

Jaylen Watson has been a standout for the Kansas City Chiefs at the cornerback position since being drafted in 2022, and he put together a stellar showing against the Baltimore Ravens last week.

After being placed on the physically injured list over the summer and missing this preseason, Watson returned to the field last Thursday and helped keep reigning MVP Lamar Jackson in check.

Though the overall performance of Kansas City’s defense was a group effort, the sticky coverage that Watson played against Baltimore’s receivers was a huge advantage for Steve Spagnuolo.

The Chiefs’ official Twitter account posted footage of one pass defended by Watson against Baltimore, which he capably swatted away just in time to end one of the Ravens’ drives in the third quarter.

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1833178065951719567

Kansas City’s quest to complete an ever-elusive three-peat will continue on Sunday when the Chiefs face off against the Cincinnati Bengals, who lost to the New England Patriots in Week 1.