Tag: Joe Cullen

Steve Spagnuolo, Joe Cullen pleased with debut of Chiefs DT Brandon Williams

Steve Spagnuolo and Joe Cullen both liked what they saw from new #Chiefs DT Brandon Williams in Week 14.

The Kansas City Chiefs saw veteran DT Brandon Williams play his first snaps for the team in Week 14 against the Denver Broncos.

Williams managed 15 snaps on defense in his debut performance, with several of those snaps actually coming on passing downs. The 6-1 and 336-pound nose tackle wasted no time getting active with his new team, recording one tackle, a half-sack and two quarterback hits on Broncos QB Russell Wilson. He also managed some impressive snaps in the team’s goal-line defensive packages.

Asked about what he saw from Williams in his debut, Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo likened the performance to Baker Mayfield’s comeback win over the Las Vegas Raiders on “Thursday Night Football.”

“Yeah! I tell you, (I was) really impressed with – it’s kind of like (Rams QB) Baker Mayfield, right (laughter)? I mean Brandon was only here three days or whatever and he did an admirable job,” Spagnuolo explained. “What he still can do as a D-linemen is knock somebody back. He really helped us on the goal line. You know we had the two or three goal-line snaps. I think they took a penalty and went back and then we were out of goal-line defense, but he helped us there. I was really impressed with how he picked it up. A true pro, you know, veteran.”

The nine-year NFL veteran managed to get accustomed to the playbook and acclimated quickly. Having played for both Spagnuolo and defensive line coach Joe Cullen in Baltimore during his career allowed for some carryover in the terminology and playbook.

“Yeah, you know Brandon (Williams) did a great job for coming in and he got familiar with the system, and he knows (Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Steve Spagnuolo) Spags,” Cullen said. “There’s some carryover but he did, he went in there and gave them some really good snaps. He was physical, did a great job down on the goal line. We brought him here to knock the run out, but he was in on a half a sack, so he did some good things, and we just know we want him to continue to get better.”

In Week 15 against the Houston Texans, you can expect to see even more of Williams on the field. He’ll continue to get acclimated and get his football-playing legs under him, but he also should earn more opportunities with Derrick Nnadi popping up on the injury report on Thursday.

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Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen discusses George Karlaftis’ recent surge in sacks

#Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen praised George Karlaftis’ recent surge in sacks: “I just think he’s going to continue to get better and especially this last stretch.” | from @EdEastonJr

The 2022 rookie class has played a significant role in the success of the Kansas City Chiefs this season. Players on both sides of the ball have been featured in game-changing moments as the coaching staff shows trust in critical situations.

George Karlaftis was a high draft pick out of Purdue for his heralded ability to pressure the quarterback. He has recently shown this skill, securing a sack in three consecutive games and sparking the defense. He appears to be adjusting to the pro level, but still has a lot left to learn and achieve.

Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen spoke about Karlaftis’ recent hot streak during his conversation with reporters on Thursday.

“Well, I think as you look at earlier in the year, George (Karlaftis) was getting near the quarterback,” said Cullen. “He was getting close, and sometimes the pressure aspect of it, the hits, those will all start turning into sacks, and then there’s been a lot where he’s missed, where he’s had them in the grass. The first play of the game last week, he had (Broncos QB) Russell Wilson right around the waist. Now that’s not easy. It’s a lot easier me standing here saying you’re going to get that done. But just continuing to get better every week, and I always have said this, the hardest thing to do when you’re coming into this week is rush the passer – right away.”

Karlaftis now has three straight games with a sack after securing only a half-sack in his first 11 games. He’s building positive momentum before the postseason, giving the Chiefs another consistent presence rushing the passer. Cullen explained further the impact of extra opportunities comparing Karlaftis’ progress to his veteran all-pro defensive linemen.

“You know Frank (Clark) and Chris (Jones) were talking about it with George,” said Cullen. “Both of those guys – Chris didn’t start his first year; he was a situational player. Frank didn’t start his first year; he was a situational player. So, we’ve thrown a lot at George. He’s handled it well. I just think he’s going to continue to get better and especially this last stretch.”

The continued growth of Karlaftis’ role in the defense is essential for this postseason run and his place on the team moving forward. As the familiar veterans are aging, the youth on the roster must be ready to take on more and more responsibility.

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Chris Jones credits Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen for improvement in the trenches

When asked about the improved defensive line performance, #Chiefs DT Chris Jones pointed to his new position coach: “I’ve been in this system four years. What’s changed? Joe Cullen.”

The Kansas City Chiefs have made palpable improvements along the defensive line this season.

When it comes to stopping the run and rushing the passer, the gains made over last season are quite noticeable. They’re allowing a league-best 65.8 rushing yards per game and they’ve faced some of the premier running backs in the league. They’re also tied for the seventh-most sacks in the NFL with 11 through four games this season. Consider the fact that they had 31 through an entire 17-game season a year ago.

So what’s been behind this shift in defensive play? According to veteran DT Chris Jones, the new defensive line coach deserves all of the credit.

“Listen, I told everybody, I’ve been in this system four years. What’s changed? Joe Cullen,” Jones told reporters on Saturday. “Joe Cullen — his demeanor, our game plan, the way he brings the best out of us individually and the defensive line group. We harp on that. We take accountability to stop the run. That’s a high priority on our list. It gives us the ability to rush the passer once we stop the run. So, it forces to pass the ball and do what we love to do most and get after the quarterback.”

Back in training camp, Cullen told reporters that he felt this defensive line group could be more productive. They had plenty of familiar faces returning, but all it took was the proper motivation and the right motivator.

“Yeah, that’s a competitive group we got in there,” Jones said. “We got a lot of guys that (are) coming back, a lot of familiar faces. We got George Karlaftis — a rookie — but everyone else is — we got Carlos Dunlap; his leadership and things he brings to the room. We got Frank Clark. And we got a lot of guys who (are) competing for different things in our room. And Joe Cullen brings the best out of us.”

Jones says that Cullen has unique ways of getting players to take accountability and challenge each other. One of those ways is what he calls “The Wagon.”

“He challenges us every day,” Jones explained. “(He) has this thing that he calls ‘The Wagon’. Basically, you got to lead every drill, challenge the group. Khalen Saunders has ‘The Wagon’ right now, and he’s doing an exceptional job. But that’s what it’s all about as a group — being competitive, challenging each other, making sure we get the best out of each other.”

There’s no rhyme or reason to how you get “The Wagon.” It doesn’t take a big performance or anything special accomplished in practice. It’s just “however Joe (Cullen) is feeling” according to Jones. That said, he believes it’s working, that it’s challenging players to take accountability and ownership over the way they practice and play. It appears to be showing up on the field through the first quarter of the season as well.

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WATCH: Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen’s reaction to Chris Jones’ goal line sack

#Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen was animated on the sidelines after Chris Jones’ seven-yard sack of Justin Herbert on the goal line in Week 2.

One of the biggest moments in the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 2 game against the Los Angeles Chargers was captured in a unique light for the upcoming episode of “The Franchise” documentary series.

The full episode will debut on Thursday, Sept. 22, but the Chiefs have released a few teaser clips on social media. First, we got the clip from Week 1, where Justin Reid found out he’d be the team’s emergency kicker. Now, we’re getting a look at the reaction on the sidelines following Chris Jones’ seven-yard sack of Justin Herbert on the goal line in the third quarter.

The sack came on third down and forced a three-and-out on the Chiefs’ second consecutive possession. One of the first people to greet Chris Jones on the bench after he made the play was DL coach Joe Cullen, who was perhaps as animated as fans have ever seen him.

“Great rush,” Cullen yelled. “That’s the way to rush!

The two yell back and forth at each other, mostly inaudibly.

“Up and under, up and under,” Cullen screams.

“I told you, I was waiting on it,” Jones shouts. “I told you! I been waiting on it, coach!”

Talk about a fun moment captured between these two characters. The entire rest of the defensive line group all got a kick out of the whole interaction, especially, Khalen Saunders.

Big plays from Jones could be key to the upcoming game against the Colts in Week 3. They were one of the NFL’s best teams in terms of pressure allowed in Week 1, but in Week 2 they completely imploded.

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Joe Cullen thinks the Chiefs’ defensive line can be more productive in 2022

#Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen brings a new philosophy to the defensive line room, which could lead to more production in 2022. | from @EdEastonJr

A new face will lead the Kansas City Chiefs defensive line for the first time in three seasons.

After spending the 2021 NFL season as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Joe Cullen has joined the Chiefs’ coaching staff hoping to turn around a unit that underperformed last season. Cullen believes the defensive line can make a more significant impact in 2022 and is looking to put his mark on an established group. That starts with converting pressures to sacks and getting everyone on the defensive line to buy into his philosophy.

He shared his thoughts on his new position group and their outlook for the upcoming season after Tuesday’s practice.

“Yeah, I tell you, first of all, it’s really a good group, and they’re really working hard from top to bottom,” Cullen told reporters. “You know, starting with Chris Jones, Frank Clark, they’ve come back in great shape. They’re working through every rep. Frank (Clark) lost some weight; he’s really quick off the snap. Mike Danna is consistent every snap. I really like where the group is going. Our rookie George Karlaftis is doing a great job. He brings a lot of energy. He’s like a sponge out there, just loves football and is powerful. You know you want to take the play off on him and we’re really getting some good push from our interior guys. I like where we’re at right now.”

Both Chris Jones and Frank Clark were selected to the Pro Bowl last season and have maintained their roles as leaders on the line. The motor of rookie George Karlaftis mixed with the offseason improvements of Mike Danna and the addition of veteran Carlos Dunlap has the potential to make this group as potent as ever.

The Chiefs’ defensive line has built a commendable reputation through defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s regime. Cullen’s approach combined with the talent acquired leaves plenty of reason for optimism heading into the new season.

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Derrick Nnadi believes Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen can elevate his game

The veteran defensive tackle likes the way new #Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen challenges him to get better every day.

Derrick Nnadi was a free agent for the first time in his NFL career back in March. A former third-round draft pick in 2018, Nnadi says he chose to re-sign with the Kansas City Chiefs for a few reasons. First, he noted the relationship and rapport that he has with a lot of his teammates

“I work well with them,” Nnadi told reporters on Sunday.

Something else that played a key factor in Nnadi’s return to Kansas City, though. He was convinced to return by someone entirely unfamiliar.

“The conversations that I had with (defensive line) Coach Joe Cullen,” Nnadi continued. “I feel like he’s been the type of person that I have really been looking for to really up my game to the next level.”

One of the main coaching staff changes the team made this offseason was to move Brendan Daly to linebackers coach and hire Joe Cullen to take over on the defensive line. We learned from the first episode of the new season of “The Franchise” that the 54-year-old Cullen is a bit of a character. He’s someone that preaches effort and brings a lot of energy to the practice field.

Nnadi has clearly taken to his coaching style, but what is it about that style that is so appealing? Cullen seems to be pushing Nnadi to get better and to play faster, while also providing precise details on how he can become a better pass rusher.

“He challenges me, he really does,” Nnadi said. “He expects a lot out of me and he challenges me every day. So every day, it’s a mission. ‘Like what are we doing today? How will we get better? How fast, how hard can we play?’ So, I’m always up for the challenge.”

Only time will tell if Cullen can help turn around the defensive line in Kansas City, but it’s clear that veteran players like Nnadi have bought into what he’s selling.

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Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen expects career years from Frank Clark, Chris Jones

New #Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen has high expectations for two of his veteran defensive linemen in 2022. | from @EdEastonJr

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The arrival of new Kansas City Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen breathes new life into a veteran defensive line. Cullen moved to Kansas City after a stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars as defensive coordinator. He spent the previous four seasons coaching the defensive line with the Baltimore Ravens.

Cullen’s excitement for his defensive line group was evident as he addressed the media on Thursday after another week of OTA practices. The veteran defensive coach didn’t hide his desire to work with the Chiefs’ current group of linemen and new players brought in during the offseason. He shared his two favorite guys are Frank Clark and Chris Jones, and he has lofty expectations for both players in 2022.

“Well, I’ll tell you what, those are two of my favorite guys,” Cullen told reporters. “I was at another place when they were coming out. I mean, I expect those guys to have career years and play the best they have in their career. And if we do that, that will elevate the whole team. And I expect that. Those guys who work — and this is voluntary — this is not mandatory. I’ve been in touch with both of those guys and love the way they play and love what they’re all about.”

Clark had a disappointing 2021 NFL season with the drama of his arrest the previous offseason hovering over him. Jones, however, was only one sack short of another double-digit sack season, splitting time between inside and edge positions on the defensive line. Asked about the role he envisions for Jones in 2022, it sounds like we should will see him playing the majority of his snaps at defensive tackle.

“Well, I think when Chris (Jones) is on his game, there is not a better defensive tackle in the NFL,” Cullen said. “You saw that in the championship run. I mean, there will be different spots. He’ll move around within the nature of the scheme, but I’m excited to get him in here and get rolling.”

The Chiefs’ defensive line has traditionally been solid over the years, but they weren’t as stout as many had hoped they’d be in 2021. The addition of a different voice in Cullen could help kick things up a notch in 2022.

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Chiefs add former Jags DC Joe Cullen as a DL coach

Joe Cullen has found a new home with the Chiefs.

Earlier this week it was announced that the Jacksonville Jaguars would be letting defensive coordinator Joe Cullen go, and as expected, it didn’t take long for him to find a new team.

That team will be the Kansas City Chiefs, who are fresh off a run where they found themselves in the AFC Championship this past season. He’ll be replacing Brendan Daly, who is now set to become the Chiefs’ linebackers coach.

Cullen, who the Jags hired almost a full year ago, was named a first-year defensive coordinator under former coach Urban Meyer. In the process of the 2021 season, he helped the Jags make notable progress, and though the defensive unit wasn’t elite, they made strides and ranked 20th overall and 23rd against the rush.

Jags team captain Josh Allen was one of the leaders on the team who was on record for saying he wanted to see Cullen back, as did a few others. However, with new head coach Doug Pederson being hired, the Jags seemingly felt good about the candidates he had in mind to replace Cullen.

Cullen has been a hot name this offseason and took a pair of interviews to be a coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens, which is the team he was with before last season, and Indianapolis Colts. Baltimore’s defensive coordinator job ultimately went to former Michigan defensive coordinator Mike McDonald, while the Colts are set to hire former Jags coach Gus Bradley for their vacant role.

Cullen will join a Chiefs team that has notables like Chris Jones and Frank Clark among notables on their defensive line. That said, he should have little issues being successful and could be up for a defensive coordinator role again in no time.

Chiefs hiring former Jaguars DC Joe Cullen as defensive line coach

The #Chiefs are making two changes on the defensive coaching staff, including hiring former #Jaguars DC Joe Cullen as defensive line coach.

The Kansas City Chiefs are making some changes to their coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball.

As first reported by Florida Times-Union columnist Gene Frenette, the Chiefs are hiring former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Joe Cullen as their defensive line coach. Cullen replaces third-year DL coach Brendan Daly, who will stay on the defensive staff in Kansas City replacing Matt House as linebackers coach.

The team announced the two moves on Friday afternoon.

Cullen spent one season as the defensive coordinator in Jacksonville under recently fired head coach Urban Meyer. In a forgettable 2021 NFL season, Cullen was what our friends at Jaguars Wire considered a positive as he helped their defense take a step in the right direction. Star Jags pass-rusher Josh Allen even lobbied for his return.

Prior to his time with the Jaguars, Cullen spent five seasons as the defensive line coach with the Baltimore Ravens under former Andy Reid disciple John Harbaugh. Cullen helped groom and develop linemen like Brandon Williams, Justin Madubuike, Michael Pierce and Brent Urban. It would seem he was credited with a lot of the success that Baltimore had stopping the run during his time with the team.

Traditionally, Cullen has worked with a lot of 3-4 defensive schemes. Spagnuolo’s scheme, of course, is a 4-3 under with four down linemen. It’ll be interesting to see how Cullen’s approach changes in a new scheme.

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Poll: Should the Jaguars have retained DC Joe Cullen?

Despite a solid first season as the team’s defensive coordinator, Cullen will be heading elsewhere in 2022. Do you think that was the right call, Jags fans?

Much of Urban Meyer’s coaching staff remains under contract (for now), but the team has already made one major change to the makeup of the staff. According to a report from ESPN NFL insider Field Yates, the Jaguars have parted ways with first-year defensive coordinator Joe Cullen.

Meyer’s decision to hire Cullen was a bit confusing at the time. Previously the defensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens, Cullen had no defensive play-calling experience when he took the job, and for a first-time NFL head coach in Meyer, it was hard to see the logic of that decision.

But with that being said, Cullen seemed to be doing a pretty good job. He inherited one of the worst defenses in the NFL, and though it was rough to start the 2021 season, it improved markedly throughout the year. Even forced to start second-round rookie Tyson Campbell at corner after trading C.J. Henderson, the unit continued to improve.

It finished 20th in the league and was much better against the run than it was in 2020. There was a clear vision of what Cullen was building, and that’s why some thought he could survive the coaching change and remain on the staff of the new head coach.

Though that doesn’t seem to be the case, Cullen’s tenure with the Jags attracted some attention around the league. He interviewed for the defensive coordinator position with his former team in Baltimore, but that job ultimately went to Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. He has also interviewed for the open Colts defensive coordinator job after Matt Eberflus left for Chicago, and he appears to still be a candidate there.

Cullen likely hasn’t seen his last stint as an NFL defensive coordinator and based on the way the Jags’ unit, which is still lacking talent, played in 2021, it seemed like he could have been building something good.

We’ll never know how keeping Cullen would have panned out, but we want to know what the fans think. Should the Jags have kept Cullen, or should the team clean house as far as staff goes? Or should the organization have waited until there was a head coach in place to make that call? Let us know in the poll below.

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