Tag: Jaylen Watson

Third-year Chiefs CB impressed coaches during second career start: ‘He did a nice job’

Kansas City #Chiefs cornerback Nazeeh Johnson impressed coaches during second career start: ‘He did a nice job’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have been hard hit with injuries on both sides of the ball this season but remain undefeated through nine games. Young players like Nazeeh Johnson have stepped up to help the team thrive through injury hardships.

Johnson recorded his first career sack in his second career start in last Sunday’s victory over the Denver Broncos. Head coach Andy Reid acknowledged his career game during the postgame press conference.

“I’m going to give credit to Nazeeh (Johnson) because Nazeeh never gets any credit – for leading the team in tackles,” said Reid. “he did a nice job there.”

Johnson finished his productive game by leading the team with ten tackles (six solo), including one for loss and one quarterback pressure. Week 10 marked his first double-digit tackle performance as the former 2022 NFL Draft seventh-round selection admirably fills in for injured starter Jaylen Watson.

Kansas City remains undefeated at 9-0 this season, becoming the fifth reigning Super Bowl champion to win its first nine games. They join the 2011 Green Bay Packers, 1998 Denver Broncos, 2015 New England Patriots, and 1990 San Francisco 49ers.

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 DC Steve Spagnuolo praises rookie defensive back: ‘He’s earned playing time’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo praises rookie Chris Roland-Wallace: ‘He’s earned playing time’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo addressed the media on Thursday, discussing the emergence of rookie defensive back Chris Roland-Wallace after his impressive performance against the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday.

“Listen, C-Ro (Chris Roland-Wallace) is one of those guys that – he came here as a free agent,” said Spagnuolo. “He earned everything he’s gotten right now. He made the team, made the roster, made the 53. He’s earned playing time. I don’t know if you know – (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave (Toub) and I talked every week about trying to get him in there in games. We got him in there last week.”

Roland-Wallace is an undrafted free agent who made the team and took advantage of his opportunity in Week 7. The rookie collected his first interception, much to the delight of his teammates and Spagnuolo.

“I think before Jaylen (Watson) got hurt, I can’t even remember, but we’ve been talking about it a lot,” said Spagnuolo. “I guess what I’m trying to say is he’s kind of earned the right to get some playing time, so you’ll see him in and out of there, and we’re going to have to use him as one guy goes down – other guys, our responsibilities go up so that’ll happen to Chris.”

The Chiefs’ defense is looking for a steady replacement for Jaylen Watson, who was at the cornerback position opposite Trent McDuffie.

Chiefs make 4 roster moves ahead of Week 8 matchup vs. Raiders

The Kansas City Chiefs made four roster moves on Tuesday ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Kansas City Chiefs made a series of roster moves ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 27.

First, the defending Super Bowl champions announced that they had signed cornerback Keith Taylor to their active roster. Taylor was previously on Kansas City’s practice squad and adds depth to the Chiefs’ secondary after cornerback Jaylen Watson’s injury in Week 7.

Next, the team announced that it had signed quarterback Chris Oladokun and wide receiver Cornell Powell to its practice squad.

Finally, Kansas City indicated that Watson had been placed on the Chiefs’ injured reserve list.

 

These transactions came after third-year quarterback Bailey Zappe was signed off of Kansas City’s practice squad by the Cleveland Browns, who needed another signal-caller due to an injury sustained by Deshaun Watson on Sunday.

Stay tuned to see if these moves mark the end of the Chiefs’ adjustments this week, or if they prove to be part of a broader reshuffle of Kansas City’s roster by general manager Brett Veach ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline.

Report: Chiefs DB to undergo surgery after sustaining serious injury vs. 49ers

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, #Chiefs DB Jaylen Watson is set to go under the knife after his injury against the #49ers in Week 7.

According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson is set to go under the knife after sustaining a serious injury against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7.

Watson was removed from the game during the fourth quarter with an apparent leg injury, and his status was quickly downgraded to out.

Though the Chiefs haven’t given an official update on the third-year defender, Fowler’s report seems to indicate that he will miss extended time, and may be a candidate to be placed on Kansas City’s injured reserve list.

Take a look at Fowler’s report below, which was posted to Twitter on Tuesday morning:

 

If Watson’s injury proves to be season-ending, it would be a major blow to the Chiefs and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who will have to rely on less experienced replacements when Kansas City faces the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid reveals plan for replacing Jaylen Watson after injury: ‘He’s ready for the spot’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reveals plan for replacing Jaylen Watson after injury: ‘He’s ready for the spot’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid appeared in front of the media on Monday for his weekly Zoom press conference. He discussed the loss of Jaylen Watson and JuJu Smith-Schuster in Week 7 due to injury.

“(Jaylen) Watson, it’s not, it’s not going to be good, and he won’t be ready this week. JuJu (Smith-Schuster) won’t be ready this week,” said Reid. “So two different things there.”

After Watson left with the injury, he was replaced by Nazeeh Johnson, who had already lost a year of his career due to injury. Reid provided his thoughts on his performance and future increased role with teammate Joshua Williams.

“Every week, he’s (Nazeeh Johnson) gotten better and stronger, and so that’s the main thing, he’s a good player, he has the confidence in his leg and the leg strong, and that just happens by playing,” said Reid. “So every week, it’s been a positive going forward, and he’s ready for the spot. Two’s (Joshua Williams) also been in there. He’s done it, and so he knows what it takes. And two different body types, and we’ll need both of them, and they both need to step up. Watson was having a heck of a year, so now these guys have an opportunity here to step in and do the same.”

Watson’s injury appears serious enough for him to miss significant time, which allows another young secondary member to step up. The defense had three interceptions in Week 7, so there is optimism that the Chiefs have enough depth.

Chiefs DB makes cryptic post on Twitter after injury vs. 49ers

#Chiefs DB Jaylen Watson made a cryptic post on Twitter after he was injured in Kansas City’s Week 7 win over the San Francisco #49ers.

The Kansas City Chiefs were bitten by the injury bug again in their Week 7 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

After seeing running back Isiah Pacheco and receivers Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown and Rashee Rice suffer long-term injuries earlier in the year, up-and-coming cornerback Jaylen Watson went down with a lower-body injury on Sunday that may keep him sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Though concrete details of Watson’s injury are still unknown, the rising defender took to Twitter to share an update that didn’t give Chiefs fans much hope for his quick return.

Check out what Watson had to say in this post, which was made by his official Twitter account:

 

If Watson’s injury is as bad as it seems, Kansas City will have to rely heavily on the depth in its young secondary to help pick up the slack.

Expect the Chiefs to continue finding ways to win as they head to Nevada this weekend to face the Las Vegas Raiders.

PFF: Jaylen Watson earned Chiefs’ highest grade in win over Chargers

#Chiefs DB Jaylen Watson was Kansas City’s highest-graded player against the Chargers in Week 4, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Kansas City Chiefs earned their fourth win of the regular season on Sunday, beating the Los Angeles Chargers 17-10 to advance their record to 4-0.

Behind the strength of Kareem Hunt, Andy Ried’s offense finally found some rhythm, but it was the Chiefs’ defense, that ultimately clinched the win for Kansas City.

Led by superstar defensive tackle Chris Jones, who was credited for two sacks in the game, the Chiefs didn’t allow a point in the second half of Sunday’s matchup against the Chargers.

While Jones has been one of the best defensive players in the NFL this year, the experts at Pro Football Focus gave third-year cornerback Jaylen Watson the top grade in Kansas City’s latest victory.

Check out the Chiefs’ five highest graded players below:

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will continue to lean on Watson when the Chiefs face the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football in Week 5.

 

Chiefs scouting report: East Carolina Pirates CB Shavon Revel Jr.

East Carolina University Pirates CB Shavon Revel Jr. is a player that the Kansas City #Chiefs could target in the 2025 NFL draft.

In 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs drafted cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams. The two third-year players possess unique height and arm length for their position. These distinctive traits helped them find roles in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense early in their careers.

The 2025 NFL draft features a cornerback with an even better arm length, height, and speed combination than Watson or Williams.

The East Carolina Pirates list Shavon Revel Jr. at 6 foot 3 inches tall and 193 pounds. The senior’s arm-length pops immediately. He uses his long frame to jam and re-route wide receivers at the line of scrimmage. Despite his high-cut build, Revel’s hips allow him to mirror and match the receiver’s release and stay attached throughout plays.

Revel is an aggressive corner who uses his quick feet and massive wingspan to stick to receivers and close throwing lanes. He reads the quarterback’s eyes to accelerate and jump routes. Revel’s burst helps him close ground from zone or off-man coverages quickly and make an impact at the catch point.

Revel uses his long arms to stack and shed blocks in the run game. He is a powerful tackler who fires downhill to challenge wide receiver screens and outside runs.

Revel suffered a torn ACL in practice during the week leading up to East Carolina’s game against Liberty. The injury might drop him into Kansas City’s range on draft night, but other teams that need cornerbacks are sure to plan on pursuing Revel.

Revel concludes his 2024 season with two interceptions, including a pick-six, in three games.

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.