Tag: Leo Chenal

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.

Two former Wisconsin linebackers named NFL Players of the Week

Two former Wisconsin linebackers named NFL Players of the Week

Former Wisconsin linebackers Zack Baun and Leo Chenal were named NFL Players of the Week on Thursday.

Baun earned the ‘NFC Defensive Player of the Week’ designation for his contributions in the Philadelphia Eagles’ 34-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 10.

In that contest, the UW alumnus recorded eight tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one tackle for loss. In nine games, Baun ranks No. 11 in the NFL in total tackles with 87. He has also notched two sacks and one interception as the Eagles’ most dominant linebacker this season.

ProFootballFocus has also awarded Baun with the highest grade of any linebacker across the NFL from Weeks 8-10.

Baun joined Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback Kyler Murray and Detroit Lions’ kicker Jake Bates on the NFC ‘Players of the Week’ batch of studs from Week 10.

Chenal, meanwhile, was almost a no-brainer for ‘AFC Special Teams Player of the Week’ after what he did against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

He joined Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson and Buffalo Bills’ cornerback Taron Johnson in the AFC ‘Players of the Week’ cohort for this week.

Chenal, who played at UW from 2019-2021, clinched the Kansas City Chiefs’ 15th straight win with a blocked field goal as time expired at Arrowhead Stadium.

The sequence occurred when, with one second remaining, Broncos’ kicker Will Lutz squared up for a 35-yard field goal attempt and Chenal leaped through Denver’s offensive line to deny the attempt and secure the 16-14 win.

Through eight games this season, he has posted 33 total tackles, 22 solo tackles and three pass deflections.

Chiefs LB Leo Chenal earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after blocked FG vs. Broncos

#Chiefs LB Leo Chenal earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after his legendary field goal block against the #Broncos.

The Kansas City Chiefs narrowly escaped Week 10 with their undefeated season intact, due in no small part to the efforts of linebacker Leo Chenal, who blocked a Denver Broncos field goal attempt as time expired in the fourth quarter.

For his efforts against Denver, Chenal earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors, an accomplishment he is sure to cherish as the Chiefs make their bid for a third consecutive Super Bowl title this season.

In addition to his blocked field goal, Chenal combined for four tackles against the Broncos, which helped lift Kansas City to victory on Sunday.

 

Though Chenal’s role in the Chiefs’ defense supersedes the contributions he makes on special teams, his outstanding effort against Denver wasn’t the first time that the budding young linebacker has made his presence felt against an opposing kicker.

In Super Bowl LVIII earlier this year, Chenal blocked a field goal that helped earn Kansas City its third championship of the Patrick Mahomes era.

Patrick Mahomes praises former Wisconsin linebacker after game-winning play

Patrick Mahomes praises former Wisconsin linebacker after game-winning play

Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes praised former Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Leo Chenal after his game-clinching field goal block on Sunday.

Shortly after Chenal blocked Denver Broncos’ kicker Will Lutz’s 35-yard field goal attempt to clinch the Chiefs’ 15th consecutive victory, Mahomes took to the podium and had this to say about his teammate:

“He’s extremely strong,” Mahomes said. “He’s got the strength of a [defensive] lineman, but he plays the linebacker position. You don’t want to be with that guy when he’s working out. We call him John Cena.”

Mahomes isn’t far off. At 6-foot-3, Chenal has 250 pounds of pure muscle. After starting 10 games in 2023, the UW alumnus has morphed into one of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s most lethal assets.

Through eight games this season, he has posted 33 total tackles, 22 solo tackles and three pass deflections. Defensive lineman Chris Jones and cornerback Trent McDuffie might grab the weekly headlines, but Chenal is unquestionably the most versatile player on Spagnuolo’s side of the ball.

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In terms of what the entire Chiefs defense provides, Fox Sports ranks the group as the No. 5 unit across the NFL with 293.6 yards per game and 16 touchdowns relinquished.

Kansas City will look to showcase that type of prowess in its highly-anticipated Week 11 game against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 17.

Best photos from Chiefs’ Week 10 win vs. Broncos

See all the best photographs from the Kansas City #Chiefs’ Week 10 win over the Denver #Broncos.

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs overcame all odds to defeat the Denver Broncos 16-14, thanks to a last-second field goal block by budding linebacker Leo Chenal.

Fans won’t soon forget Chenal’s heroic effort on the game’s final play, and with their latest victory, the Chiefs stole Denver’s chance to deliver Kansas City its first loss of the season.

Star pass-catcher Travis Kelce made history by tying Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez’s franchise record of 76 receiving touchdowns. Kelce has repeatedly shown that he has what it takes to stand among the greatest receivers of all time.

The Week 10 matchup put the Chiefs’ rivalry with the Broncos in the spotlight and produced one of the most exciting games of the season for both teams.

After this win, Kansas City’s win streak was extended to 15 straight games. The defending Super Bowl champions have not lost since their matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Day in 2023.

Take a look at the best photos from the Chiefs’ latest victory:

Chiefs Dave Toub receives praise for execution of game-winning field goal block

Kansas City #Chiefs special teams Dave Toub receives praise for execution of game-winning field goal block | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs pulled off an incredible victory last Sunday over the Denver Broncos due to a blocked potential game-winning field goal in regulation. Head coach Andy Reid spoke highly of the team’s play execution, led by special teams coordinator Dave Toub, during his weekly Zoom press conference on Monday.

“Yeah, I mean, the details of it become important. The players want that. They want you to detail it up for them.” said Reid. “It helps them even more to show what their talents are, and as a result, hopefully, you win a game or two. So Dave (Toub) spends a lot of time on that, right there. You guys watch all that. So you know there’s an emphasis on special teams and the details of it. So we needed it yesterday; that was a big play for us.”

Leo Chenal got his palm on the football as Will Lutz kicked it for the potential game-winner. The interior rush, mixed with pressure from Justin Reid on the outside, was flawlessly done, leading to a walk-off that went in Kansas City’s favor at Arrowhead Stadium. Chenal is the second player in the past 10 seasons to block a field goal on the final play to win, joining Payton Turner with the New Orleans Saints on September 11, 2022.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes reflects on walk-off victory over the Broncos: ‘You live for these moments’

Kansas City #Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reflects on walk-off victory over the Denver #Broncos: ‘You live for these moments’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had a front-row seat to one of the most extraordinary finishes in the league this season as his team pulled out the thrilling victory on Sunday. After the game, he shared his thoughts on the dramatic moment with reporters, revealing his mindset during the tense process.

“I was – I think more than anything I was just sick that last drive because I missed that touchdown throw that would’ve given us the chance to make it where they (the Broncos) had to score a touchdown – put our defense in a bad situation,” said Mahomes. “I thought our defense stepped up in that second half and did a great job. I was just happy. I was happy that we ended with that block, and Leo (Chenal) got through there. It was just joy after that.”

Mahomes had led the Chiefs to a go-ahead field goal on the drive before Denver got the ball into field goal range for the game-winning attempt. He missed Travis Kelce in the back of the endzone, which could have mitigated the stressful ending everyone on the sideline was experiencing.

“Yeah, I mean, you definitely are (worried) because it’s just a low percentage for a block, but if anyone’s going to do it,” said Mahomes. “I mean (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Toub and his team’s going to have a designed rush or designed way to getting a hand on it, so it was – obviously, you’re worried because it’s out of your control but at the same time I trust my teammates that they’re going to go out there and make a play.”

Mahomes was jumping for joy after the kick was blocked, filled with so much adrenaline that he didn’t show any pain from the sore ankle he’s been dealing with over the last few weeks.

“It’s awesome, man. You live for these moments. When you grow up playing football, you live for the walk-off, whatever it is.” said Mahomes. “It’s special when you build (with) these guys for so long, and you’ve built this chemistry with them, and guys get to make that play. It’s something that I’m sure Leo (Chenal) will have for the rest of his life. I’m just glad that we all get to experience it together.”

The Chiefs return to action next Sunday with another test on the road against the Buffalo Bills, who are entering the game 8-2 leading the AFC East.

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 HC Andy Reid on the game-winning blocked field goal: ‘I get to see that every day’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on the game-winning blocked field goal: ‘I get to see that every day’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have found unique ways to win games lately, with Sunday’s victory over the Denver Broncos ranking high on the unlikely scale.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the media immediately following the game, giving insight into the incredible blocked field goal that sealed the victory.

“I get to see that every day, we work that block and that last final shot there.” said Reid. “We did, but it’s also something that we work on like crazy, so – it normally doesn’t work quite like that, but that one, we had a couple of different guys. George (Karlaftis) was in there, too, I believe. I haven’t had a chance to look at the replay but it looked like we had a couple different guys in there.”

Special teams coordinator Dave Toub has worked with Reid for years and has practiced these scenarios in the past, so it wasn’t foreign to the league’s oldest head coach. Reid praised linebacker Leo Chenal, who got his hands on the kick, and credited his overall work since being drafted by the Chiefs.

“He’s (Leo Chenal) a great athlete, big strong kid, plays a hundred miles an hour, he does it in practice, he does it during games, plays anywhere and everywhere and never says anything,” said Reid. “(He) comes from a family – he’s got like 40 brothers and sisters, so he’s used to sharing, so he doesn’t really care about who gets the credit and doesn’t get the credit, he just goes.”

The victory does have its low moments, as the Chiefs were moments away from a loss, so the long-time head coach promised to work on more things during the week.

Chiefs targeted Alex Forsyth on field goal block, and it worked

The Chiefs identified that Broncos lineman Alex Forsyth was “light on his toes” and bull-rushed him on the final play of the game.

The Kansas City Chiefs clinched a 16-14 victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday when they blocked a 35-yard field goal attempt on the final play of the game (and, yes, it was a legal play).

Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal was credited with the block. After the game, Chenal revealed to Mike Florio of NBC Sports that he had identified a weakness in Denver offensive lineman Alex Forsyth’s stance on kicks earlier in the game.

“Chenal said that the earlier field goal attempts and extra points showed him that the guy assigned to him was, ‘Light on his toes,’ and the bull rush would work,” Florio said during “Football Night in America” on Sunday night.

The Chiefs bull-rushed Forsyth and broke through the line to block the kick.

 

After the game, the Broncos’ lineman accepted blame for the play.

“I have to be stouter,” Forsyth told The Denver Post. “They had four guys on that side. But it didn’t surprise us. I have to be stouter.”

As Andrew Mason of DenverSports.com has pointed out, Forsyth has been forced off his feet on eight of the team’s last ten kicks. The last play of Sunday’s game was the most egregious, and it will undoubtedly spark a correction (or at least an attempt to correct it).

Kansas City timed the snap perfectly and penetrated the line of scrimmage immediately.

Florio also reported that Chiefs defenders considered allowing the Broncos to score a touchdown to give KC’s offense a chance with the ball, but defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo ruled out that scenario.

It seems safe to assume that Forsyth won’t be light on his toes going forward.

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