Tag: Secondary

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo reacts to the signing of Steven Nelson: ‘Take it day by day’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo reacts to the signing of Steven Nelson: ‘Take it day by day’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs added former draft pick Steven Nelson to the practice squad earlier this week to prepare him to play a significant role in the postseason run. During Thursday’s press conference, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo opened up about the signing.

“Just take it one day at a time and see what we got; it’s been a while. It’s gonna take, take a while to figure out for him.” Said Spagnuolo. “I sat down to talk with him; he hadn’t been doing a lot, so we had him out there for one day. Take it day by day.”

Nelson started his career in Kansas City, starting in 38 of his 52 games and tallying four interceptions and 182 tackles. Spagnuolo shared his thoughts on the decision to sign the veteran cornerback.

“I talked to him about it; I don’t know how it all transpired. I didn’t ask all those questions,” said Spagnuolo. “I’m assuming Brett (Veach) just kind of researched it, and it developed, and he made a decision to give it a shot. So we’ll see where it goes. It’s so ground-level right now that I don’t really have too much insight, to be honest with you.”

Nelson was believed to be retired after nine NFL seasons and playing last year with the Houston Texans. He is more depth for a secondary that has been hit with injuries this season.

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.

Broncos will have a ‘No Fly Zone’ reunion on Sunday

The Broncos will recognize their “No Fly Zone” secondary before the Falcons game on Sunday.

Before Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, the Denver Broncos will recognize several members of “The No-Fly Zone” defense as part of the pregame festivities.

Former Broncos Aqib Talib, Chris Harris, T.J. Ward, Darian Stewart, Bradley Roby and David Bruton will be present for the Week 11 tilt at Empower Field at Mile High.

According to the team’s official website, the former teammates will participate in the flag plant prior to kickoff, and be a part of the Salute to Service halftime relay race.

Game recognizes game, and current Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain was asked about the “No Fly Zone” on Wednesday.

“I watched them a lot growing up,” Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain said this week. “I always remember it was them and the ‘Legion of Boom.’ Those two secondaries were… They just kept on producing big-time numbers. I still communicate [with them]. I just saw Chris Harris for the first time when they came here to honor his name. I’ve talked with Talib a few times too. So it’s going to be pretty awesome to see them come back. I can’t wait to meet all of them. It’s going to be a great experience for sure.”

The No Fly Zone boasts a combined 10 Pro Bowl appearances and they were key members of the 2025 defense that led the team to a victory in Super Bowl 50.

Earlier this season, Harris signed a ceremonial contract with the Broncos to retire with the team which gave him his first NFL opportunity.

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Kool-Aid McKinstry has given Saints an immediate return on their investment

Marshon Lattimore is returning to the starting lineup in Week 3, but Kool-Aid McKinstry has already showed why the Saints drafted him:


Marshon Lattimore is returning in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles after missing last week’s game with the Dallas Cowboys. His absence pushed Kool-Aid McKinstry into the starting lineup.

Dennis Allen struck again with another defensive back. In his debut, McKinstry showed why the New Orleans Saints traded up to draft him in the second round. McKinstry was drafted with Paulson Adebo entering a contract year and Lattimore’s future uncertain. Lattimore returned to the team amid trade speculation, but that didn’t change circumstances for the rookie much.

The consensus has been for the cornerback to step into the starting lineup next year and provide a good insurance policy as a backup in case of injury this season. Whether that means Adebo leaves in free agency or Lattimore is traded in 2025, odds are McKinstry will have a more prominent role in Year 2 than Year 1.

In one start, McKinstry looked primed to fit in both roles. Pro Football Focus gave him a 77.1 coverage grade. That was good for 10th-best among all corners in Week 2, and he did it against a very talented Dallas receiving corps.

Even without PFF’s grading, it was evident that McKinstry belongs. His biggest play was a break up against CeeDee Lamb in the end zone. You saw an all around solid performance beyond that play. He looked poised in the moment, and it’s clear what the Saints saw in him in April.

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Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) feeling better, expected to play Week 3

Marshon Lattimore missed last week’s game, but it’s expected he’ll be able to suit up as the Saints take on the Eagles — who are without A.J. Brown

This story was updated to add new information.

The Philadelphia Eagles will be down one of their lead receivers Sunday as A.J. Brown is still recovering from a hamstring injury. On the other side of the ball, the New Orleans Saints could be getting Marshon Lattimore back from a hamstring injury of his own.

The cornerback was a full participant on Friday and had no injury designation on the final injury report, meaning he’s expecting to play.

Lattimore missed the Week 2 matchup versus the Dallas Cowboys due to an injury suffered against the Carolina Panthers. Lattimore was a game-time decision. Ultimately, Dennis Allen held the cornerback out to keep from further injury.

Kool-Aid McKinstry joined Alontae Taylor and Paulson Adebo as the three cornerbacks in the secondary. Lattimore hopes to rejoin the lineup in Week 3.

When looking at the lead up to Week 2. It was clear Lattimore was close to ready. Allen’s tone after the game felt like the corner would have a good chance playing this week.

After the week off, Lattimore feels healthier. He actually practiced this week, which he didn’t do last week. Allen thought the cornerback would be mad at him for the decision. In the moment, maybe he was, but Lattimore agreed it was the right call to sit in hindsight.

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Chiefs released 2023 draft pick CB Nic Jones on Wednesday

Kansas City #Chiefs released 2023 draft pick CB Nic Jones on Wednesday | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ initial selections for the 53-man roster aren’t yet in the clear as the front office continues to make adjustments.

According to the team’s transactions log, Kansas City has released cornerback Nic Jones. The 2023 seventh-round draft selection became expendable following the waiver claim of defensive back Eric Scott.

Jones played nine games during his lone season with the Chiefs, collecting four tackles. He was among the many young defensive backs competing for limited spots in the secondary. The Ball State standout showed flashes of promise in training camp last year, but they didn’t translate immediately during his limited time on the field.

The 6-foot, 185-pound cornerback was selected 250th overall because of his excellent ball skills and versatility, with snaps inside and outside on defense. He also stood out as a strong special teams performer, catching Kansas City’s attention.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has managed to retain several players cut over the last 24 hours to the practice squad. There will continue to be movement as the team seeks the best personnel ahead of Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens.

All-Pro Chiefs cornerback’s message to Steve Spagnuolo: ‘Wherever he needs me, I’ll go and play’

Kansas City #Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie message to Steve Spagnuolo: ‘Wherever he needs me, I’ll go and play’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie’s evolution continues as he enters the 2024 season, and he is ready to wear multiple hats as a defensive leader.

Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie spoke with the media on Monday, sharing his thoughts on defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s potential plans for him in the secondary.

“Like I always tell (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Coach Spags, wherever he needs me, I’ll go and play,” said McDuffie. “Last year, being able to be at nickel really helped me out comfortability-wise, but being back on the outside (corner position) also (has) been really fun. Just getting back into the swing of things.”

McDuffie earned First Team All-Pro honors last season for his dominance in the slot. He’s accumulated 124 tackles, four sacks, and six forced fumbles through two seasons. He plans to improve on those stats as he potentially becomes the primary starting cornerback.

“I feel like corner is such a perfectionist type (of) position, your technique has to be flawless,” said McDuffie. “So, just going to work each and every day (and) just trying to perfect both positions has been a lot of fun for me.”

The absence of L’Jarius Sneed this year has been discussed often, as has whether McDuffie can fulfill that role. He appears confident in taking over the position and continuing his All-Pro play on defense.

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.

Sean Payton says Jim Leonhard has a bright future as a coach in the NFL

“This guy has got a real good future as a coach in this league,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of new DBs coach Jim Leonhard.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton tried to hire Jim Leonhard to his staff last year, but Leonhard took a break from coaching in 2023 while recovering from hip surgery.

After fully recovering, Leonhard joined Payton’s staff this spring as a defensive backs coach. Leonhard, 41, spent 10 years as a safety and special teams player in the NFL, including a summer with the New Orleans Saints in 2013.

“I had him briefly as a player and he reminds me that I cut him,” Payton said on June 12. “I think he [also] came here. He played for a long time. He’s extremely smart. Even last year in the process, he was going through a hip replacement surgery, so I was trying to hire him, but he was going to have trouble with that. He spent that year — last year — just working kind of as a consultant with Illinois. He was able to do that where it was going to be harder for him to commit.

“When this year came around and the opportunity presented itself — we are getting someone with [playing] experience and we’re getting someone with coaching experience as well. He’s been coaching at the college level now for quite a while and was a candidate to be the head coach at Wisconsin. I’ve kind of known him for a while and he’s one of those guys — not only myself, but I would say a number of people in the league have tracked and said, ‘This guy has got a real good future as a coach in this league.’”

Leonhard spent one season with the Broncos in 2012. Following his final season in 2014, Leonhard transitioned to coaching. He returned to Wisconsin, his alma mater, in 2016 and quickly worked his way up from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator. Leonhard served as an interim head coach in 2022 before stepping down and taking a senior football analyst role at Illinois while rehabbing in 2023.

Now set to make his NFL coaching debut in 2024, Leonhard brings 10 years of experience as a player and seven years of coaching experience to Denver.

“He did a lot, and he will lean on him in all of those areas,” Payton said. “He really had a good career and was part of a lot of winning teams, too. The Jets — I remember competing against the Jets and [he] had two real good seasons there. He was part of those teams with Rex [Ryan]. He was in Baltimore and here. He was at a few stops, but when you play that long, he is doing something right.”

Broncos fans will get their first look at Leonhard coaching up the team’s defensive backs when training camp practices begin on Friday.

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Chiefs DB Jaden Hicks embraces playing multiple positions in the secondary

Chiefs DB Jaden Hicks embraces playing multiple positions in the secondary | @EdEastonJr

The hot days at training camp are underway for the Kansas City Chiefs rookie class as they get a head start adjusting to life in the NFL.

The Chiefs drafted Jaden Hicks in the fourth round of April’s NFL Draft with hopes to utilize his versatility. He spoke with reporters on Wednesday about the challenge of learning multiple positions and the help he’s gotten so far from the coaching staff.

“It’s pretty difficult just because it’s multiple positions. But, I mean, it’s going to help me long term and overall, just because I know where multiple spots are at, and multiple places,” said Hicks. “So it’ll help me overall, and that’s what I just try to lock in and realize: that’s what it’s going to be at, and, wherever, whatever happens, I can play wherever.”

Hicks was a starter in his last year at Washington State but made his mark in 2022, starting 11 of 13 games and had 76 tackles, one interception, and one sack. He spoke highly of Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt’s influence.

“He’s a great coach. Very detailed guy. He makes sure our communication is on there and always up to date.” said Hicks. “He’s just a good coach to be around, having your corner, making sure we’re all on the same page. Again, the communication is at a high level.”

Hicks joins a young and talented secondary with multiple players trying to improve their stock for more playing time.