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 HC Andy Reid discusses Justin Reid’s kickoff decision vs. Chargers: ‘Doesn’t hurt’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid discusses Justin Reid’s kickoff decision vs. #Chargers: ‘Doesn’t hurt’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to reporters during his weekly Monday Zoom press conference. He provided insight into Justin Reid serving as the kicker on kickoffs during the Week 14 victory over the Chargers.

“Just his (Justin Reid) length of kickoffs,” said Reid. “The ability to kick it into the endzone there – consistently.”

The Chiefs are on their third kicker this season due to injuries, and Matthew Wright is valuable for his accuracy in field goal scenarios. He hasn’t been viewed as having a strong leg, and with the new kickoff rules this season, Reid fits the bill for an opportunity to show his extra skills.

“Yeah, that doesn’t hurt, for sure, but initially, it was the length,” said Reid. “He’s (Justin Reid) got a strong leg, and we thought maybe he could put it back there in the endzone.”

https://youtube.com/shorts/IP0398hlrrE?si=d-V9GG5tU5VKDQ8W

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub mentioned the option of using Reid on kickoffs during training camp because of his ability to get physical on tackles if necessary.

Chiefs Dave Toub says Leo Chenal almost blocked an extra point vs. Broncos: ‘Got his finger on it’

Kansas City #Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub says Leo Chenal almost blocked an extra point vs. #Broncos: ‘Got his finger on it’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ thrilling victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 10 via a blocked field goal earned well-deserved praise for special teams coordinator Dave Toub. Toub discussed the well-designed play with reporters on Thursday for the first time since last Sunday and revealed that Leo Chenal almost had a blocked extra point earlier in the game.

“I mean, that’s what you do. You practice it. And our guys believe in what we’re doing. They always have great effort. So you always think that they got a chance to get it. And you know, it’s throughout the season you’ve seen, it’s been very close, whether it’s Justin off the edge or Leo. In fact, he got his finger on a ball in that game, his fingertip on a ball on the second extra point, and came into the huddle and told me that he got his finger on it. So we knew that there was a possibility. But, I mean, you’re always it’s; it’s such a long shot to get that, and we’re fortunate. The effort and everything was excellent, and the guys came through.”

The collective efforts of Justin Reid on the outside, Mike Danna, and the defensive line push led to Chenal’s game-winning block. Toub and his group will look for even more efficiency on the road against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday.

PFF: Veteran DL earned Chiefs’ highest grade in Week 10 win over Broncos

According to Pro Football Focus, veteran DL Chris Jones was the #Chiefs’ highest graded player in Kansas City’s Week 10 win over the #Broncos.

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a thrilling win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday that saw the defending Super Bowl champions remain undefeated heading onto their Week 11 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

While the Chiefs’ offense struggled all game, gaining just over 300 yards and only one touchdown, Kansas City’s defense was absolutely dominant, as it has been all season, allowing only 260 yards and two touchdowns.

On Monday, the experts at Pro Football Focus released their player grades for the Chiefs’ latest win. In their estimation, veteran defensive lineman Chris Jones was Kansas City’s top performer, followed by safety Justin Reid and linebacker Drue Tranquill.

 

Though the Chiefs are riding high after their win over Denver, Kansas City won’t have any time to celebrate with their showdown against the Bills on the horizon.

Expect the Chiefs to continue leaning in the excellent performances of players like Jones, Reid, and Tranquill as they look to keep their perfect season alive for another week.

Chiefs LB Leo Chenal reacts to blocking game-winning field goal attempt: ‘It’s complete shock’

Kansas City #Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal reacts to blocking game-winning field goal attempt: ‘It’s complete shock’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs pulled a rabbit out of the hate with Sunday’s victory over the Denver Broncos coming down to a blocked field goal attempt as time expired. Linebacker Leo Chenal is the player who got his hands on the ball and explained the moment to reporters after the game.

“It’s complete shock. Not much I can say about it. Glory to Jesus Christ and everything because I was really praying for something to happen.” said Chenal. “That moment is so heavy, there’s a second on the clock, and they’re going to kick the field goal. You feel the weight of the moment.”

Broncos kicker Will Lutz had time to position the spot to his benefit but was still unable to get the ball past Chenal, as he credited the push from his teammates on the line.

“That was definitely a big moment. I want to credit Mike Danna (the one in the Super Bowl) – I’ll get the stat for it; it went through my hand, but he was the one who really stopped the ball. He’s not going to get credit with the stat, but a big credit to him. It’s never that mentality of I’m never going to get there again.” said Chenal. “When you have guys like J. Reid (Justin Reid) rushing like he does, Jack (Cochrane) and the big push by the big guys in the middle, George (Karlaftis) and what he does. Working on get-offs, it’s bound to happen. It’s been a long time coming.”

Danna’s block in Super Bowl LVIII is memorable because of the stage, but Chenal’s block’s unlikelihood of winning the game is remarkable, considering the scenario against a division rival.

“It’s big. It’s a team effort. They have to respect (Justin Reid) J. Reid on the outside; they have to respect our guys rushing on the outside and in the middle.” said Chenal. “It’s not like they can just lean heavy to one guy. It’s a big credit. George (Karlaftis) is doing what he’s doing right beside me all the time; he’s getting pressure right there. Any time I get my hand near it, George is right there. He has a little bit bigger wingspan than me. It’s a big team effort.”

A seismic team moment adds to the many memories made over the years at Arrowhead Stadium as the Chiefs continue their three-peat journey.

Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie discusses support from teammates: ‘We’ve got your back’

Kansas City #Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie discusses support from teammates: ‘We’ve got your back’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ overtime victory last Monday night over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers featured a rare bend moment from the defense. Baker Mayfield completed a game-tying touchdown pass in regulation to force the extra session and a moment of regret from an All-Pro defensive back.

Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie revealed to reporters on Wednesday his frustrations and the support he received from teammates after the Buccaneers scored the tying touchdown on his watch.

“B-Cook (Bryan Cook), J-Reid (Justin Reid) (and) Chamarri (Conner) came over there while I was ticked off that I allowed the score that (allowed) them tie the game,” said McDuffie. “They’re just like, ‘Look, bro, it’s going into overtime. We’ve still got more games. Don’t worry about it. We’ve got your back; we know what you can do.”

McDuffie and the defense had an impressive streak of ending games on their end this season but were bailed out for once in overtime as the offense scored a touchdown on their initial possession.

“For me, that was just a way to kind of lock back in, and also just be like, ‘Man, that’s special, to be in a locker room where guys, you give up a big play in the game, said McDuffie. “I think that kind of speaks volumes as to the character of what we have in here.”

The strong bond between the defense and the team has contributed enormously to the team’s undefeated start to the season.

Justin Reid addresses media after Chiefs’ win vs. Raiders

See what #Chiefs DB Justin Reid had to say to NFL reporter Darren Smith after Kansas City’s Week 8 win over the #Raiders.

Veteran safety Justin Reid has been a key part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive game plans this season and tallied four combined tackles in the defending Super Bowl champions’ latest win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8.

The toughness that Reid brings to Steve Spagnuolo’s defense is an underrated asset for Kansas City, and with a Super Bowl LV rematch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Monday Night Football” fast approaching, the Chiefs are sure to lean on his experience and tenacity in their effort to stay undefeated.

Reid spoke to veteran NFL reporter Darren Smith after Kansas City’s win over Las Vegas and revealed his thoughts on several topics.

Check out his full interview with Smith in this video, which was posted to Twitter:

 

Though Reid was briefly listed on the Chiefs’ injury report last week, he started in Kansas City’s victory at Allegiant Stadium, and should be expected to play against Tampa Bay in Week 9.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid shares preparation plan for DeAndre Hopkins after trade

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid shares preparation plan for DeAndre Hopkins after trade | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to reporters during Thursday’s press conference. He was able to officially address the acquisition of DeAndre Hopkins and his plan to get the multiple-time All-Pro up to speed with the playbook.

“He’s (DeAndre Hopkins) a veteran player. You’ve seen just about everything over 12 years,” said Reid. “He’s a good space player, so he’s very good at understanding how to work in space. At the same time, he’s a tough matchup because of his size, arm length – (he’s a) big body that knows how to kind of play that low post area.”

Hopkins had 15 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown in his second season with the struggling Tennessee Titans. He moves to a veteran group led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes on offense and former Houston Texans teammate Justin Reid as one of the leaders on defense who spoke highly of him to the coaching staff.

“He’s a smart guy. He understands football, likewise. Justin (Reid) knows him probably better than anybody, just having been with him those years (in Houston), so that’s exciting. I mean, that’s a good thing.” said Reid. “We’ve got a lot in right now and we’re just trying to get him acclimated with meetings here. We’ll see how things go at practice, but you can tell he’s a very focused guy, and he’s intelligent.”

Reid is optimistic that Hopkins will catch on quickly and possibly be ready for this Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

“You start kind of from the bottom, the snap-count part of it, and you work your way up through,” said Reid. “He’s seen enough. He’s been around it long enough to where it’s more the dialect than the language that he has to learn.”

Hopkins has an impressive career resume that includes 943 catches for 12,528 yards and 79 touchdowns. He spent most of his time in Arizona and Houston before signing with Tennessee in 2023.

3 Chiefs starters listed on Kansas City’s first Week 8 injury report

See which #Chiefs were listed on Kansas City’s initial injury report ahead of the defending champions’ Week 8 matchup against the #Raiders.

The Kansas City Chiefs could be without three of their starters against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8 after Mike Danna, Kareem Hunt, and Justin Reid were listed on the defending champions’ injury report on Wednesday.

Danna did not participate in Kansas City’s latest practice session due to an ongoing pectoral injury.

Hunt was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, listed with a hip injury.

Reid fully participated in drills but was listed with a hand injury.

All are listed in top spots on the Chiefs’ unofficial depth chart, and their absences could prove to be massive blows to Kansas City’s hopes to keep its undefeated season alive at Allegiant Stadium on October 27.

 

Though it seems likely that Danna will be out for Week 8 after missing the Chiefs’ win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Hunt and Reid should have a chance to play if they don’t suffer any setbacks in their recovery.

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.