Tag: Justin Reid

Why the Kansas City Chiefs are now leading with Steve Spagnuolo’s defense

The Chiefs come into their Super Bowl rematch with the Eagles trending on Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. Here’s how things have changed.

The Kansas City Chiefs come into their Monday Night Football matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles in a very different place than they were when these two teams last played in Super Bowl LVII. That game was a frantic fight to the finish, and a 38-35 game in Kansas City’s favor.

The successful game flow very much fit what the 2022 Chiefs were. That was a team that finished first in Offensive DVOA, and 14th in Defensive DVOA. The plan with this team was always, have the defense be good enough, and the offense will take care of the rest.

Now, things have changed. Decidedly. The 2023 Chiefs rank sixth in Offensive DVOA, and fourth in Defensive DVOA, and when you watch Kansas City’s offense… well, it ain’t all that.

The Chiefs’ deep passing game has fallen apart. How can they fix it?

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, now in his fifth season with the team, now has the defense he’s always wanted — and any other defensive coordinator would envy. We saw flashes of it late in the 2022 season, when everything started to come together with a lot of young talent, and it’s been amplified through the 2023 season’s first 10 weeks. This unit has allowed the NFL’s fourth-fewest yards and the second-fewest points, and that’s what you want.

In this week’s “Xs and Os with Greg Cosell and Doug Farrar,” Greg (of NFL Films and ESPN’s NFL Matchup) and Doug (of Touchdown Wire) get into why this Chiefs defense isn’t just the force multiplier for the defending NFL champs — but the kind of defense that can throw some serious stuff at any offense it faces.

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You can watch this week’s “Xs and Os with Greg Cosell and Doug Farrar” right here:

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You can also subscribe to the “Xs and Os” podcast on Spotify…

…and on Apple Podcasts.

Now, let’s detail why this defense is so dynamic right now.

Chiefs DBs Justin Reid, Trent McDuffie led Kansas City in snap counts vs. Dolphins

#Chiefs DBs Justin Reid and Trent McDuffie led the way in Kansas City’s winning effort against the #Dolphins in Week 9.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 9 win over the Miami Dolphins was hard-fought and came down to a defensive stand on the game’s final drive. Chiefs defenders held quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins offense to just 14 points in the matchup and stood their ground late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Defensive backs Trent McDuffie and Justin Reid played integral roles in the winning effort, leading Kansas City in the snap count category by participating in 63 plays each.

Those 63 snaps accounted for every single down that the Chiefs defense was on the field and was only rivaled by linebacker Drue Tranquill, who saw action in 60 plays while filling in for Nick Bolton, who missed the game due to injury.

On offense, only six players saw action on every down, including every member of the starting offensive line and reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes.

Expect Reid and McDuffie to continue playing crucial roles in Kansas City’s defense when the team returns to action in Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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WATCH: Chiefs DB Justin Reid breaks down his blocked field goal vs. Broncos

#Chiefs DB Justin Reid broke down his blocked field goal in Week 8 in a video that made the rounds on Kansas City’s social media pages.

Justin Reid’s blocked field goal against the Denver Broncos was one of the Kansas City Chiefs’ only bright spots in Week 8. The play came in the third quarter when Kansas City was attempting to make a comeback and seemed to swing momentum before the Chiefs’ offense fell flat late in the game.

Reid broke down his exceptional play in a video that made the rounds on Kansas City’s social media channels this weekend. Watch to see how the veteran defensive back called his shot before completing one of the NFL’s rarest plays:

While this magnificent play wasn’t quite enough to push the Chiefs over the edge against Denver, Reid’s outstanding play has helped keep Kansas City’s defense competitive amid a 6-2 start to its 2023 campaign.

It may take another herculean effort like the one Reid put together against the Broncos to earn the Chiefs their seventh win of the season against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9.

Sean Payton shrugs off no-call on Chiefs’ blocked field goal

“You have to get to the next series, and I thought we did a good job of that,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of moving on from the play.

The Denver Broncos had a field goal attempt blocked in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs after safety Justin Reid appeared to jump early on the edge.

In real-time, Reid appeared to cross the line of scrimmage before the ball was snapped. Upon review (without a down-the-line angle), it’s a tough call, but it looks like Reid might have been onside after all.

The Broncos were winning 14-9 at the time of the block. After an eventual 24-9 victory, coach Sean Payton made no public complaints about the no-call.

“That’s a good crew we had,” Payton said when asked about the officiating after the win. “We had them during camp. In a three-hour game, there’s that emotion and that momentum — you talk about it — you want to keep it when you have it, then quickly rebound. There are certain things that take place in the flow of a game.

“I said to [our players] before the game, I said, ‘Look, recognize the team you’re playing. You’re not going to win this game in the first two or three quarters. You’re going to have to win this game, so get on to the next play.’ Myself included. You [can’t] get mad because you think they were offsides on a blocked field goal. You have to get to the next series, and I thought we did a good job of that.”

Payton might have felt differently had the blocked field goal led to a Chiefs comeback win, but it’s wise to not blast officials, especially after a win. It’s also wise to not make a definitive statement on a play before seeing replays from all angles. Regardless of whether or not it was the right call from officials, it’s no big deal to Payton in hindsight.

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Chiefs Dave Toub comments on S Justin Reid’s potential future as an NFL kicker

#Chiefs Dave Toub comments on S Justin Reid’s potential future as an NFL kicker

The emergency kicker role for the Kansas City Chiefs was confirmed last season as starting safety Justin Reid filled in adequately. Reid converted an extra point attempt during Week 1 of the 2022 season following Harrison Butker’s ankle injury.

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub hasn’t shied away from plugging in different players when needed in special teams roles. He mentioned last week the prospect of having Patrick Mahomes as the emergency punter and is behind Reid as the backup in-game placekicker. During his weekly press conference, Toub commented on Reid’s long-term future as a professional kicker while filling in for an ill Butker at practice on Thursday.

“If we knew that (Butker) was going to be out, we want another kicker,” said Toub. “I’d feel comfortable that Justin can come in, but we want a real kicker. He’s good enough to get us through a game. He can make an extra point and has good range (on field goals).”

Toub was immediately asked if Reid had a future as an NFL kicker later in his football career.

“If he wanted to be a kicker at the NFL level, I don’t think he could do it,” Toub said with a smile. “I love him. I love him, but he will understand why I’m saying that. He’s a good safety.”

Reid will have to settle for being one of the top players in the Chiefs’ secondary. Getting his thoughts on Toub’s assessment would be interesting.

WATCH: Chiefs safety Justin Reid comes down with INT vs. Broncos

#Chiefs defenders Willie Gay Jr. and Justin Reid combined for this impressive interception against the #Broncos on Thursday night.

The Kansas City Chiefs defense is pitching a shutout in their Week 6 matchup against the Denver Broncos, and veteran safety Justin Reid was the latest player to make his presence felt against the team’s bitter divisional rival.

Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson dropped back to throw on an innocuous first down late in the third quarter and saw his pass tipped by linebacker Willie Gay Jr. before it landed in the arms of Reid.

Plays like this have become a regular occurrence for the Chiefs’ burgeoning defense, which is proving to be a force to be reckoned with early in Kansas City’s championship defense campaign. Gay’s active hands at the line of scrimmage helped make this interception possible, and Reid’s awareness to make the tip-drill catch was a welcome sign in a game that has been closer than it should be on the scoreboard.

Expect Gay and Reid to combine for more plays like this in the future as the Chiefs’ young defense comes into its own during the 2023 season.

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Chiefs S Justin Reid shares his thoughts on resting players for Thursday Night Football games

#Chiefs S Justin Reid shares his thoughts on resting players for Thursday Night Football games | from: @EdEastonJr

The topic surrounding Thursday Night Football games’ impact on players’ preparation time and recovery has been discussed for years. The Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 6 against the Denver Broncos with their second Thursday night game following the opening night loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 1.

Chiefs safety Justin Reid is one of the many players who have suggestions on helping to make the Thursday night transition smoother. During Tuesday’s press conference, Reporters suggested a possible extra bye week for those teams, and Reid revealed his thoughts on the situation.

“Yeah, I think that would be nice,” Reid said. “If there was a way to set it up, it might be extra biweekly to be able to split them in half. That way, get a little bit extra rest, and maybe it is better for everyone’s body. But at the end of the day, you know, the cards are on the table as they are, and we gotta go play.”

The Chiefs are expected to be a prominently featured team since winning Super Bowl LVII and having All-Pro stars such as Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, and Travis Kelce. The popularity and success of the franchise will constantly put them in marquee television spots, so the team is well aware of the spotlight to perform at their best.

Chiefs S Justin Reid shows appreciation for Kansas City after missing wallet is returned

#Chiefs S Justin Reid shows appreciation for Kansas City after missing wallet is returned | from: @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are visiting the Meadowlands in New Jersey for Sunday night’s matchup with the New York Jets. One of their starters on defense will be traveling with less stress on his mind after a good samaritan assisted personally.

Chiefs safety Justin Reid is feeling relief as his missing wallet was returned on Friday by a local fan in Kansas City. The wallet was returned, with a note from the fan saying that their daughter Heidi was happy to have found it. Reid thanked the little girl via social media with a photo of her personalized letter.

“The folks here in Kansas City are amazing,” Reid said in a post on Twitter. “I lost my wallet last week (you guys know the feeling) and was this close to canceling and reordering the cards before I got the message that it was found. Thank you Heidi!”

Reid should have a clearer mind heading into Week 4, and it’s all thanks to the Kansas City community.

Chiefs S Justin Reid relishes target on Kansas City’s back in 2023

#Chiefs safety Justin Reid doesn’t mind that Kansas City will have a target on its back heading into the 2023 season. | from: @EdEastonJr

The defense will be the story for critics tuning into the Kansas City Chiefs’ opening game of the regular season on Thursday. The absence of All-Pro Chris Jones is an ongoing hot topic for the unit and their ability to succeed without him, possibly long-term.

Kansas City will prepare for their matchup against the Detroit Lions with more than just their concerns for the status of Jones. They will have their latest Super Bowl banner unveiled at Arrowhead Stadium with a special opening night celebration ahead of the game.

Chiefs safety Justin Reid isn’t thinking about the festivities as he discussed with reporters on Sunday. He’s more enticed by the idea of the team having a target on their backs after becoming champions.

“Yeah. I mean, the page is already turned on it,” Reid said. “I honestly probably won’t even see the banner go up and be focused on getting prepared for playing a football game against Detroit Lions and focusing on this season. What we did last year was great, you know, but that’s last year, and that won’t help us win a football game this year. You know, just paint a bigger target on our back. We know we’re going to get everybody’s best shot. So we’re gonna have to play our best ball and be prepared for it.”

The Chiefs have been perennial title contenders since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback. The attention from their success has led opponents to prepare differently for the Chiefs, looking to prove themselves against the league’s elite.

“You want to play against good football teams. You can’t judge yourself by just playing against bad opponents,” Reid explained. “When you get to get everybody’s best shot, there’s a level of respect and just a competitive nature when you get everybody’s best shot. You know, all cars are on the table. There’s no excuses. When you go out and play, and it’s Man on Man, battle of wills, and see who comes out on top?”

Thursday’s nationally televised game will begin the new season for the league so all eyes will be on Kansas City. The Chiefs won their regular season opener in 2020 against the Houston Texans with a reduced crowd due to COVID protocols.

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Justin Reid hopes to help second-year Chiefs DBs avoid sophomore slump

#Chiefs safety Justin Reid intends to do everything he can to keep Kansas City’s second-year defensive backs on track in 2023.

The Kansas City Chiefs invested heavily in their defensive backfield last season, going so far as to draft five defensive backs in the 2022 draft.

That investment paid off, with the “fab five” of Trent McDuffie, Bryan Cook, Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson, and Nazeeh Johnson all playing big roles on Kansas City’s Super Bowl LVII squad.

Now, entering year two, four of those five (Johnson not included due to a recent season-ending injury) make up the core of the Chiefs’ secondary unit. McDuffie is the team’s top cornerback option alongside veteran L’Jarius Sneed, while Williams and Watson project to have big roles. Cook, meanwhile, will start at safety next to sixth-year vet Justin Reid.

Reid, who enters his second season with the Chiefs, played a big role last season in making sure those newbies were ready to take on such important roles in year one.

“The biggest priority for me last year was, since we had so much work on the back end, was to make sure those guys were prepared as possible,” Reid said. “Work with them one-on-one, understand what it’s like to be a professional, practice like a professional, understand the differences in speed and alignments – just the minor details make a difference.

“I knew we (needed) them to come up big for us later in the season (and) they did. Those guys made huge plays for us. Jaylen (Watson had) multiple picks … that experience that we had is valuable for them.”

With the Chiefs leaning heavily on those same defensive backs in year two, Reid’s goal is to make sure there’s no fall in productivity.

“I’m going to stay on them to make sure there is no sophomore slump,” Reid said. “It’s easy to want to relax but you’ve got to keep the pedal to the metal in this league. Good teams turn to bad teams quick and bad teams turn to good teams quick … We’re a competitive group, but it’s a healthy competition, and we’re going to keep building.”