Tag: standout

Chiefs DL George Karlaftis put together an exceptional performance vs. Bengals

#Chiefs DL George Karlaftis played with his hair on fire against the #Bengals in Week 17.

The Kansas City Chiefs defense has been among the NFL’s best this season, and with just one game remaining on their schedule, the team’s defense seems primed to make something special happen in the playoffs.

Second-year defensive end George Karlaftis has been among the unit’s leaders through 16 games, and put together arguably his best performance of the season against the Bengals in Week 17, tallying 1.5 sacks, six pressures, and a pass rush win rate of 26.7 percent, according to Pro Football Focus.

Numbers like these are no coincidence for Karlaftis, who has steadily developed into Kansas City’s leading sack leader heading into their final matchup of the season against the Los Angeles Chargers.

His presence on the Chiefs’ front four has more than warranted his selection in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. With another exceptional showing in Week 18, he could cement himself as Kansas City’s preeminent sack-master ahead of the playoffs later this month.

Chiefs WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette optimistic about future after stellar preseason performances

Kansas City #Chiefs wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette feels good about his future after flashing dominance in the preseason. | from: @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs achieved a gritty victory over the Cleveland Browns in their preseason finale, and now have to make some tough decisions heading into cut week. One player who helped his case significantly to make the team is wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who was among the Chiefs’ most productive players in the preseason.

After stints with the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, Ihmir Smith-Marsette signed with the Chiefs in 2022, primarily on the practice squad. The young receiver entered training camp knowing he needed to impress to have a chance at making the team. He spoke with reporters following Saturday’s game, reflecting on his journey in the league.

“It’s fantastic,” Smith-Marsette explained. “My first two years were rocky and just getting my feet under me going into my third one and just having that mindset of knowing who I am and what I’m really capable of, then just going out there and putting it out there on display. It’s been a hell of a ride, and it’s just getting started.”

Smith-Marsette led the team with four catches for 101 yards and a touchdown, creating more conversation around his status on the team.

“It means a lot. Like I always say, just keep working, and it’s going to prove itself at the end of the day.” said Smith-Marsette, “Just going out there and doing what I can and make that decision hard at the end of the day, that’s something they told us, and I feel like I made it just a little bit harder.”

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes heaps praise on rising rookie RB Deneric Prince

#Chiefs RB Deneric Prince was singled out by Patrick Mahomes as a valuable offensive asset during the reigning MVP’s comments to the media on Wednesday.

The ground game has taken a back seat for the Kansas City Chiefs in the Patrick Mahomes era, but the reigning MVP took time in his comments to the media on Wednesday to point out one running back who has made a great first impression on him at training camp.

Asked about rising rookie Deneric Prince during the Chiefs’ post-practice press conference, Mahomes wasn’t bashful in his praise for the up-and-coming talent.

“He [Deneric Prince] can catch the ball in the backfield, he can run the ball really well, and he’s getting better and better with the protection stuff, so I think they’re just continuing to get him reps,” Mahomes explained. “We’re going to have a deep running back room, and it’s always good to have those guys that we can trust to be in there for the big moments of the game.”

While he certainly seems to have earned Mahomes’ trust, Prince is still likely to be a longshot to make Kansas City’s 53-man roster heading into the regular season. However, with a strong enough showing in the Chiefs’ preseason games in the coming weeks, Prince could prove himself too valuable an asset to cut for a team that is looking to add some juice to their running game.

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1 standout and 4 underachievers from Packers’ season-opening loss to Saints

Highlighting one standout and four disappointments from the Packers’ 38-3 loss to the Saints in Week 1.

Putrid. Horrid. Use any synonym you want to describe the Green Bay Packers’ opening performance of the 2021 season.

The New Orleans Saints beat the Packers to a pulp on Sunday with a final score of 38-3. How did they do it? Well, it started with dominating time of possession. New Orleans controlled the ball for over 10 minutes more than Green Bay, which is an effective way to neutralize a high-powered offense.

Unfortunately, the defense wasn’t any better. In the first half, the Saints totaled three drives, and all of them ended in points. Two of those drives lasted 30 plays combined and ran nearly 18 minutes off the clock. By the time halftime rolled around, the Packers were already looking toward the bus.

It was impossible to come up with a list of standouts from this game. Some guys played better than others, but no one really deserves the label of a standout. Ok, this is a lie. One guy did stand out, but he is the last guy on the roster you want to have a good game. For the rest of the list, let’s just call them underachievers.