Tag: Nazeeh Johnson

Chiefs Dave Merritt comments on injuries in the secondary: ‘The next guy is ready’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt comments on injuries in the secondary: ‘The next guy is ready’ | @EdEastonJr

The excessive injuries on the Kansas City Chiefs roster haven’t stopped them from winning this season, but it’s still a concern. Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt spoke with reporters on Thursday about the challenges of dealing with injuries, especially in the secondary.

“I go back, and I think back to the AFC Championship game when LJ (L’Jarius Sneed) went down, and all of a sudden, Josh (Williams) had to go in the game and play after five snaps,” said Merritt. And so not that you want to see this happen, but you know, when you’ve had injuries, the amount of injuries that we’ve had guys in and out, you want to make sure that the next guy is ready.”

The Chiefs recently dealt with injuries to Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson and the season-ending loss of Jaylen Watson. Veteran cornerback Steven Nelson was signed to the practice squad this week as insurance for the postseason.

“We always try to teach our guys and make sure that everyone understands the role that they need to go in and be ready to play. And with that comes a lot of responsibility on the players to make sure they know what they’re doing when the defense is called. So, but it’s not easy.” said Merritt. “You wish everyone would stay healthy. I’m quite sure all the other 30-plus teams would want the same thing. But once you have an injury, you have to be able to overcome it, and hopefully, your next guy is ready to go because everyone’s a starter when you’re in the room.”

Merritt and the coaching staff’s continued confidence in their young secondary has been crucial in their development. The group is essential in their hopes of three-peating as Super Bowl champions.

Chiefs secondary played a significant role in the Week 13 victory over the Raiders

Kansas City #Chiefs secondary played a significant role in the Week 13 victory over the Las Vegas #Raiders | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid provided an update about the defense during his weekly Zoom press conference with reporters on Monday. He addressed questions regarding his secondary and the decision to have Joshua Williams take over for Nazeeh Johnson in the second half of the Week 13 victory.

“Listen, I’m glad we have both (Nazeeh Johnson and Joshua Williams). I think both of them can still work in there and do some things,” said Reid. “We haven’t given up on Nazeeh (Johnson) or anything of that sort. I mean, he’s coming off a pretty major knee surgery, so we’ve kind of kept an eye on him with that. I think as we go forward, we can use both of them, I’m sure.”

While there is uncertainty at cornerback, the secondary has shown improvement, especially with the emergence of safety Jaden Hicks.

“He’s (Jaden Hicks) a good player, and so him working in there, I think, is a positive. Again, he’s a young guy, and he just keeps progressing and challenging himself that way,” said Reid. “I know the coaches have trust in him, so we’ll just see how things go moving forward. He’s earned that right to play more, and so he’s got the confidence of (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags that way – and(Defensive Backs Coach) Dave (Merritt).”

Kansas City’s 19-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders has them playoff-bound for the 10th consecutive season. The streak is the second-longest in NFL history, trailing only New England’s record of 11 consecutive playoff berths from 2009 to 2019.

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 vs. Broncos: Rising DB sacks Bo Nix in first quarter

#Chiefs DB Nazeeh Johnson sacked #Broncos QB Bo Nix in the first quarter of Kansas City’s AFC West showdown against Denver in Week 10.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive unit wasted no time making a statement in Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

The Chiefs’ pass rush has been a key part of the defending Super Bowl champions’ undefeated start to the 2024 regular season, and rising defensive back Nazeeh Johnson was the latest player to take down an opposing quarterback.

After back-to-back scoreless drives for both teams, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo drew up a perfect blitz against Broncos rookie Bo Nix on first down.

Johnson lept on his opportunity to get involved and sacked Nix for a huge loss that ultimately forced Denver to punt later in the drive.

Take a look at Johnson’s highlight reel sack in this video, which was posted by the Chiefs’ official Twitter account:

 

Expect Spagnuolo to continue featuring Johnson in his defensive game plan to keep the pressure on Nix as Kansas City looks to keep its perfect season intact.

Nazeeh Johnson injury vs Raiders: Latest news on Chiefs DB

#Chiefs DB Nazeeh Johnson is dealing with a concussion. Here are the latest updates.

The Kansas City Chiefs are playing a road game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Defensive back Nazeeh Johnson had to leave the field during the matchup due to a hit that put him in concussion protocol.

Nazeeh Johnson injury update

Nazeeh Johnson went into concussion protocol in Week 8 against the Raiders, and his status was downgraded to out. He will not return to Sunday’s game.

How long will Nazeeh Johnson be out?

It is unclear how long Johnson will be out but unless his concussion results in a more serious condition this should only be a temporary setback for him.

Chiefs DB depth chart

Behind Johnson is the second-string Keith Taylor Jr. The team could also pull left cornerback Trent McDuffie’s backup, Joshua Williams, over to the right side if needed. This loss of Johnson in the game puts the Chiefs in a tough spot with that position, as Jaylen Watson is already on injured reserve.

Stay tuned for the latest news on Nazeeh Johnson as his situation progresses.

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 DC Steve Spagnuolo on the uncertainty surrounding the second cornerback position

Kansas City #Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on the uncertainty surrounding the second cornerback position | @EdEastonJr

The cornerback position is critical for any team in the NFL, and the Kansas City Chiefs already feature an All-Pro in Trent McDuffie but followed by question marks on the depth chart.

After Monday’s practice, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke with reporters about the lack of a standout for the second starting cornerback spot.

“It’s an unanswered question right now, to be honest with you,” said Spagnuolo. “With the injuries that we dealt with and the guys in and out, it was hard to say, ‘This is the guy that won the job,’ so, there will probably be a bunch of them (cornerbacks) playing. We mix and match a lot anyway, so there will be a lot of that going on.”

Defensive backs expected to be in the second cornerback spot include Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson, Nazeeh Johnson, and Chamarri Conner. Spagnuolo indicated the importance of solidifying the slot cornerback spot in Thursday’s matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.

“I mean, the expectation is (that) they’re going to come in here and try to run it –which we get it. Hopefully, we can get them in situations where they’ve got to throw, and we can be good against that because this team – listen, they get noted as a running team – they can do everything,” said Spagnuolo. “They have really good wideouts; their quarterback can extend the down, we all know that. He’s (Ravens QB Lamar Jackson) accurate. I mean, we’ve got a great deal of respect for them. “

The Chiefs have officially moved on from L’Jarius Sneed. The first regular-season game will help determine whether they made the right decision not to retain the talented cornerback.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach on the value of practice squad players: ‘We’re going to rely on those guys’

Kansas City #Chiefs GM Brett Veach on the value of practice squad players: ‘We’re going to rely on those guys’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs and every team must trim their rosters over the next few days before the regular season begins.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach joined the broadcast team on KMCI 38 The Spot during the start of the second quarter of Thursday’s game vs. the Chicago Bears for his annual conversation in the booth.

He addressed the mindset of handling the main roster and the value of putting together the practice squad.

“With our schedule, and hopefully every year we’re trying to play a 20-game season, you’re going to need those guys. And we don’t really look at these players as practice squad players. We just look at them as an extension of our roster.” said Veach. “A bunch of guys over the years that started out on the practice squad, whether it be Nazeeh Johnson or Jack Cochrane and last year, Matt Dickerson, so every year we’re going to rely on those guys.”

Veach and his front office staff will work with the coaching staff over the next few days to trim the roster. He appreciates the coaches’ support in making these decisions and getting the most out of potential practice squad candidates.

“We’ve just been fortunate that our coaching staff does a great job again,” said Veach, “Not just with the starters, but they do a great job of coaching up the young guys on the practice squad because it’s not a matter of if but when we’ll need them throughout the course of the season.”

The Chiefs could have several former practice squad players make this year’s regular season roster—a credit to the development and system built in Kansas City during the successful Super Bowl run.

Chiefs Dave Merritt shares insight into the second starting cornerback competition

Kansas City #Chiefs Dave Merritt shares insight into the second starting cornerback competition | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into their second preseason game this Saturday with plenty of eyes on their secondary.

Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt has worked with all the defensive backs throughout offseason workouts and training camp. He spoke with reporters after Wednesday’s practice about his aligned vision with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo in the search for a second starting cornerback.

“Same thing, you want a guy to step up,” said Merritt. “I mean, 35-Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams have played a lot of football for us. Nazeeh Johnson, of course, is coming back from a knee injury, but you want someone to step up and be able to claim that position and not have a guy rotating and always looking over his shoulder, and so, but we’re looking for the same thing, i echo what Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) said.”

Merritt believes every defensive back in the secondary will be utilized anyway, but having a foundation set of two starters in personnel is essential.

“We have a great thing going here because, you know, the Fab Five, all those guys have played a lot,” said Merritt. “So with 35 and 2, Josh and Jaylen, either guy that goes in there and starts for us, you have to understand, we normally play six DBs on the field, sometimes five, because the NFL puts out three wide receivers, and so these both guys are starters anyway,” said Merritt. “So we (are) really just talking about base personnel when it’s just two wide receivers in the game.”

The following two preseason games will be critical in the coaches’ assessment of the secondary. Merritt’s mentions of Watson and Williams at cornerback indicate where he might be leaning decision-wise.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid gives injury updates on Chris Jones, Nazeeh Johnson after Sunday’s practice

Kansas City #Chiefs HC Andy Reid gives injury updates on Chris Jones, Nazeeh Johnson after Sunday’s practice

The long training camp days, especially with the physicality building up with padded practices, are likely to cause some injuries as players return to playing shape. The Kansas City Chiefs had a few players dealing with nagging tweaks this week, and Sunday’s practice saw a few missing from the lineup.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid started his Sunday post-practice press conference addressing recent injuries to several players, including his All-Pro defensive lineman.

“Hollywood (Marquise Brown) is sick. Clyde (Edwards-Helaire) is sick. Nazeeh (Johnson) just tweaked his knee, the one that he had surgery on, but we should be okay. There is a little bit more of the hamstring than the knee.” said Reid. Chris Jones’ groin strain, and then Justin Watson, we’ve already talked about, but they’re making progress.”

Jones’s being kept out of practice for a groin strain could be a serious concern, as Reid reminded reporters that the All-Pro was joking about his quest for time off during training camp.

“We’ll see. I mean, I know he was messing with you guys“, said Reid, “but he does have a sore groin.”

The other new concern from Sunday was Johnson’s knee tweak, as Johnson was lost for the season in training camp last year with a torn ACL.

“I think he’s going to be fine,” said Reid. “You go through those things. He’s strong, his legs are strong, and he’s solid, all that, so it’d be fine.”

The Chiefs’ depth will continue to be tested in camp, with injuries and illness taking headlines. The team continues to work with pads on and prepare for their first preseason game, which is quickly approaching.