Tag: Jaden Hicks

Chiefs vs. Texans: Rookie DB Jaden Hicks opens game with interception

#Chiefs rookie DB Jaden Hicks intercepted #Texans QB C.J. Stroud on the opening drive of Kansas City’s Week 16 matchup against Houston.

The Kansas City Chiefs defense wasted no time getting the ball into Patrick Mahomes’ hands against the Houston Texans in Week 16, intercepting quarterback C.J. Stroud on the first drive.

The Chiefs’ defense has been among the best in the league this year and is looking to perfect its techniques as the regular season draws to an end.

With cornerback Jaylen Watson out for the remainder of the year, the depth players in Kansas City’s secondary have had to step up and help fill the gap left by the loss of the second-year defender.

Among the players who have risen to the occasion is rookie defensive back Jaden Hicks, who intercepted Stroud on the opening drive of Saturday’s game.

Take a look at the interception, which was posted by the Chiefs’ official Twitter account:

This was Hicks’ second interception in two games and is quickly becoming a key contributor to Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive unit.

Chiefs DB Justin Reid praises secondary depth: ‘Guys have been able to come in and make plays’

Kansas City #Chiefs DB Justin Reid praises secondary depth: ‘Guys have been able to come in and make plays’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid has embraced his leadership role in a young secondary. During Thursday’s press conference, he shared his thoughts on their progression and overcoming all the injuries.

“The way it’s been all year has been the next guy up. We’ve had a constant rotation and have confidence in whoever is on the field. Chris Roland Wallace has been making plays.” said Reid. “Chamarri (Conner), if he is able to make it, he’ll be in there, and he’ll be making some plays for us. Josh Williams comes in and makes plays. Nazeeh Johnson comes in and makes plays. So, it doesn’t matter. Jaden Hicks, Bryan Cook, it doesn’t matter who’s on the field; when you’re on the field, you’re a starter.”

In the first quarter of their Week 15 victory against the Cleveland Browns, Bryan Cook intercepted a deep pass down the middle of the field from Jameis Winston, his second on the season. In the fourth quarter, Trent McDuffie recorded his first career interception, and with 1:26 left in the game, Jaden Hicks intercepted Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

“We have faith in all those guys to come in and perform,” said Reid. We have the record we have, because guys have been able to come in and make plays when we need them to.”

The injuries have sometimes hampered the Chiefs secondary, forcing the depth signing of veteran cornerback Steven Nelson last week.

Chiefs vs. Browns: Rookie DB seals win with clutch interception

A rookie DB recorded a clutch interception that sealed the Kansas City #Chiefs’ victory over the Cleveland #Browns in Week 15.

The Kansas City Chiefs steamrolled the Cleveland Browns on Sunday to advance their regular season record to 13-1.

The Chiefs’ offense was serviceable for most of the game, but it was the team’s defense that played lights-out football throughout the contest, forcing six turnovers that kept momentum on Kansas City’s side.

On Cleveland’s final possession of the game, Chiefs rookie Jaden Hicks recorded a clutch interception against Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson to seal the victory for Kansas City at Huntington Bank Field.

Take a look at this video of Hicks’ outstanding fourth-quarter interception, which was posted to Twitter by the Chiefs’ official account:

Though Hicks hasn’t been a major part of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s game plans to this point in the regular season, this play may have earned him more playing time.

Stay tuned to see where Hicks will fit in Spagnuolo’s defense as Kansas City makes its push toward the playoffs.

Chiefs secondary played a significant role in the Week 13 victory over the Raiders

Kansas City #Chiefs secondary played a significant role in the Week 13 victory over the Las Vegas #Raiders | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid provided an update about the defense during his weekly Zoom press conference with reporters on Monday. He addressed questions regarding his secondary and the decision to have Joshua Williams take over for Nazeeh Johnson in the second half of the Week 13 victory.

“Listen, I’m glad we have both (Nazeeh Johnson and Joshua Williams). I think both of them can still work in there and do some things,” said Reid. “We haven’t given up on Nazeeh (Johnson) or anything of that sort. I mean, he’s coming off a pretty major knee surgery, so we’ve kind of kept an eye on him with that. I think as we go forward, we can use both of them, I’m sure.”

While there is uncertainty at cornerback, the secondary has shown improvement, especially with the emergence of safety Jaden Hicks.

“He’s (Jaden Hicks) a good player, and so him working in there, I think, is a positive. Again, he’s a young guy, and he just keeps progressing and challenging himself that way,” said Reid. “I know the coaches have trust in him, so we’ll just see how things go moving forward. He’s earned that right to play more, and so he’s got the confidence of (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags that way – and(Defensive Backs Coach) Dave (Merritt).”

Kansas City’s 19-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders has them playoff-bound for the 10th consecutive season. The streak is the second-longest in NFL history, trailing only New England’s record of 11 consecutive playoff berths from 2009 to 2019.

Chiefs DB Jaden Hicks explains the failed fake punt attempt vs. 49ers: ‘That didn’t work out’ 

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive back Jaden Hicks explains the failed fake punt attempt vs. the San Francisco #49ers: ‘That didn’t work out’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs rookie defensive back Jaden Hicks addressed with reporters on Wednesday the failed fake punt attempt against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7.

“Yeah. So throughout the week, we’ve been planning if it was a fourth and one, then we’re gonna run that fake,” said Hicks. “So the fourth and one came, and we decided to run it, but they clogged up the middle pretty much. And so, yeah, that didn’t work out too good.”

Hicks was unable to get any push when he received the ball on the fake and was immediately smothered by 49ers defenders. The turnover on downs occurred in the first quarter, stalling Kansas City’s drive.

“As soon as he said, it like, we’re running deep, that play, and I’m like, okay, so we had to get it,” said Hicks. “yeah, just seeing everything was closed up in the middle, that’s where the play was designed.”

The rookie redeemed himself with a clutch interception and was one of three on the day against Brock Purdy. The young defensive back continues to earn the trust of the coaching staff.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid discusses handling the rookie wall: ‘We try to manage that the best we can’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid discusses handling the rookie wall: ‘We try to manage that the best we can’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid held his weekly Zoom press conference with reporters on Monday. He revealed his thoughts on dealing with the common rookie wall with this year’s class.

“Yeah, there is a rookie wall that the guys can hit at times. We try to manage that the best we can,” said Reid. “We’ve had pretty good success with it with the young guys where we can kind of get them through that phase, but the guys are – they’re working hard, they’re contributing in the games. Then, we’ll just – as the college season goes on, I’m always – you start getting around that bowl time in there, and guys – that’s when they go, ‘Oh jeez, we still have seven games left or six games left,’ and that’s kind of where you have to look at, but we try to do a good job of working them through all that.”

The Chiefs have had several rookies contribute this season on both sides of the ball. Carson Steele, Kingsley Suamataia, and Xavier Worthy have been featured throughout the season on offense. Christian Roland-Wallace and Jaden Hicks defensively had two crucial interceptions off San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy in Sunday’s victory.

Chiefs Justin Reid praises rookie defensive backs’ performances: ‘Two big-time plays’

Kansas City #Chiefs safety Justin Reid praises rookie defensive backs’ performances: ‘Two big-time plays’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid led the team in tackles and secured an interception in Sunday’s victory over the San Francisco 49ers.  He praised his rookie teammates in the secondary during his postgame press conference.

“They never know when the number is going to be called, but they’re always ready to go, and they got to make two big-time plays, and we need them to,” said Reid. “We’re going to need them down the stretch even more, and they’re going to show up more for us (and we’re) more confident in that. CRW (Christian Roland-Wallace) getting that, you know, the toe trap swag on the sideline and then Jaden Hicks, a pick in the end zone, two big-time plays.”

Rookies Christian Roland-Wallace and Jaden Hicks also walked away with crucial interceptions off 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Reid revealed the close nature of the secondary and that he’s not surprised by their breakout performances.

“It’s a unity that we have, not just in our room, but across the whole defense, like we have a team that truly prepares the next man, we’re all in. We communicate daily. We talk about, what if this happens, what if that happens? The next man up — we take time after practice and meet up on our own time.” Reid said. “We still talk coverage, and it works. The guys are confident out there, and we pride ourselves on our physicality. You know, across the board, DBs, we tackle, we’re physical, and we’re going to play press coverage, and we’re going to make it tough on you. You’ve got to find ways to beat us.”

The three interceptions from the secondary and pressure from the defensive line have helped keep the Chiefs undefeated through six games this season.

Final score: Chiefs defeat 49ers 28-18 in Week 7 Super Bowl LVIII rematch

The Kansas City #Chiefs beat the San Francisco #49ers 28-18 in a Week 7 Super Bowl LVIII rematch to keep their undefeated record intact.

The Kansas City Chiefs kept their undefeated record intact against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7, winning the Super Bowl LVIII rematch 28-18 at Levi’s Stadium.

Kansas City’s offense struggled against San Francisco’s impressive defensive unit throughout the game, but reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes managed to keep the Chiefs in the lead when it mattered most.

Mahomes ended the game with 154 passing yards on 16 completions, but he threw two interceptions that helped keep the 49ers in the game.

On defense, Kansas City was led by rookie defensive backs Jaden Hicks and Chris Roland-Wallace, who both came down with interceptions against Brock Purdy.

 

Now 6-0, the Chiefs are the last undefeated team in the NFL ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Stay tuned to see if Kansas City can build on this win as the Chiefs strive to win their third consecutive Super Bowl title this season.

Chiefs vs. 49ers: Rookie DB Jaden Hicks intercepts Brock Purdy

Check out this video of #Chiefs rookie DB Jaden Hicks intercepting #49ers QB Brock Purdy at Levi’s Stadium in Week 7.

The Kansas City Chiefs look like they will defeat the San Francisco 49ers in their Super Bowl LVIII rematch in Week 7.

Both offenses struggled for the first three quarters of Sunday’s game, and the Chiefs’ defense had to step up in a major way to keep Kansas City’s undefeated record intact.

After a gusty touchdown run by quarterback Patrick Mahomes that gave the Chiefs a two-score lead, the 49ers seemed to be well on their way to a comeback before rookie defensive back Jaden Hicks intercepted Brock Purdy in the end zone.

Take a look at this video of Hicks’ impressive pick, which was posted to Twitter by the Chiefs’ official account:

Hicks has been an outstanding addition to Kansas City’s defense and seems poised to take on a bigger role for the team after this excellent play against San Francisco.

Stay tuned to see if the Chiefs can close out a win in the fourth quarter.

Former Chiefs Pro Bowler texted Brett Veach praising rookie Jaden Hicks’ performance

Former Kansas City #Chiefs Pro Bowler Tyrann Mathieu texted Brett Veach praising rookie Jaden Hicks’ performance | @EdEastonJr

If players have significantly impacted the team, the connection between the front office and former players can last well beyond their tenure with the franchise. The Kansas City Chiefs had plenty of players who went to other teams but still held a special place in Chiefs Kingdom.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach revealed a conversation he had with a former Pro Bowl player about rookie Jaden Hicks during Thursday’s Zoom press conference.

“It’s funny. I was at home watching some preseason games after we got done playing one night,” said Veach, “I think I just randomly texted Tyrann Mathieu just to check in and say hi; we were exchanging texts, and he kind of ended it with And 21’s a stud.'”

Mathieu is still a fixture in the Chiefs front office’s minds even though he plays for the New Orleans Saints. Aside from his casual conversation with Veach, the endorsement of Hicks is a comforting notion that the Chiefs may have another potential star on the roster.

“So, I think it’s not just apparent to us; even the league’s taking notice. And a guy like Tyrann Mathieu, he sets the standard there, so when he’s sitting there watching games, and we’re not talking Chiefs, we’re just exchanging texts about families and what have you, so when he mentions it, I think it’s kind of taken the same way by the rest of the league.”

Mathieu’s conversation with Veach wasn’t about specifics regarding either of their teams, but it was an interesting moment realizing the lines of communication remain open.