Tag: Steve Spagnuolo

Chiefs DT Mike Pennel shares his thoughts on Joshua Uche’s progress: ‘He’s picking it up’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel shares his thoughts on Joshua Uche’s progress: ‘He’s picking it up’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel is a veteran of the team’s system and has firmly grasped how things are done in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. He spoke to the media on Friday, providing an update on the progress of recently acquired pass rusher Joshua Uche.

“I’ve heard about him in college. I saw him a little bit over in New England, and, you know, Mike Danna, they were teammates together. So we know that he’s a speed rusher. He’s a guy that gets after the quarterback as Spags’ (Steve Spagnuolo) playbook is complex, but he’s picking it up very well.” said Pennel. “He’s blended well with the guys, is a hard worker, and is entertaining in the locker room. And, keep him under the wing and just let him know it’s a family atmosphere, giving him room to grow, room to work.”

The former Michigan Wolverine is off to a slow start in Kansas City, but there is optimism that he will find a solid role in the defensive system. More practice time and support from his new teammates will help contribute to his progress as the postseason draws closer.

Chiefs LB Nick Bolton describes his game-changing sack in Week 10: ‘I just had to make the layup’

Kansas City #Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton describes his game-changing sack in Week 10: ‘I just had to make the layup’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defense pitched a shutout in the second half of Sunday’s victory over the Denver Broncos. Nick Bolton made another impactful play in the game as he secured an impressive sack on Bo Nix that changed the pace the rookie quarterback was creating after two first-half touchdown passes.

“(Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Steve Spagnuolo) ‘Spags’ saw something throughout the week and waited for the right position to call it,” said Bolton. “It was something new we put in this week. The back went over to block (Justin Reid) J. Reid, and I was free; I just had to make the layup. I missed the last couple ones the last couple of games, so it felt good to get that one.”

The Broncos’ sack from Bolton cost them 16 yards, knocking them out of realistic field goal position and changing the game’s momentum. Nix and the Denver offense were moving smoothly in the first half, and the Bolton sack was a much-needed message to turn the tide back to Kansas City’s defensive dominance.

“I think he did a good job playing within the system,” said Bolton of Nix’s performance. “He had a couple of tough throws. I thought we could have done a better job mixing up our looks and make him think a little bit more pre-snap. Overall, I thought he played a pretty decent game today.”

Bolton praised the young Broncos star in his first AFC West battle with the Chiefs. Both teams will meet in Denver in the final week of the regular season.

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.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo gushes with praise for Broncos QB Bo Nix

“He’s gotten better every week,” Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo said of Broncos QB Bo Nix. “He looks more comfortable.”

The Kansas City Chiefs are currently the only undefeated team this season, and they’re attempting to become the first NFL franchise to win three consecutive Super Bowls.

A big reason for the Chiefs’ success is their defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, who has helped sculpt the Chiefs’ identity as a defensive first team. As the Denver Broncos gear up to face the Chiefs, the Super Bowl champion’s defense may keep the Broncos coaching staff up at night just as much as Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes would do.

However, Spags is no fool: he has had his eyes on the Broncos and their surprising start under the quarterback-coach pairing of Bo Nix and Sean Payton. So, as he spoke ahead of the Chiefs and Broncos matchup, Spagnuolo had nothing but good things to say about the Broncos’ rookie quarterback.

“I went back and watched the first game he played in and was – I thought Sean had him doing things that sometimes you say, ‘Do you have a rookie do it in the first game that he plays?’ But yet, there he is doing it,” Spagnuolo said this week, via James Palmer of Underdog Sports. “I just think he’s gotten better every week. He looks more comfortable. You guys see it.

“It’s another athletic quarterback and I think those guys are always headaches because there’s certain things you can and can’t do because you’re afraid that he’s going to make you look bad with his feet and he can do that. I think he’s getting – listen, the guy can throw the football, there’s no doubt about that. They have themselves a good one.”

Those were kind words from Spags, although one might say he’s aiming to soften the rookie quarterback as their matchup looms. Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map).

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Chiefs DC Steve Spaguolo discusses Joshua Uche’s progress: ‘Snaps for Josh will go up’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spaguolo discusses Joshua Uche’s progress: ‘Snaps for Josh will go up’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s game plan has a reputation for having a complicated playbook featuring various pass-rushing scenarios. The training camp sessions and practices run through different procedures, allowing players to make plays after putting in time in the facility.

Spagnuolo spoke with reporters on Thursday about Joshua Uche’s debut in a Chiefs uniform last week. He believes the former Michigan Wolverine will see more time on the field moving forward as he adjusts to his new team.

“We were hoping to get a few more snaps in there. It didn’t work out that way. I think the snaps for Josh (Uche) will go up.” said Spagnuolo. “In three days, it’s kind of hard to pick up any system. So we kind of fed a little at a time. Joe’s (Cullen) feeding him more. We just got through a walk-through; we’re in the first, second, and third down today. We got everything, so hopefully, we can build on what he did last week.”

Uche appeared in a few series defensively on Monday night but was active on special teams while learning the playbook. He’s a respected pass rusher from his time with the New England Patriots, finding his way in Spagnuolo’s defense.

Sean Payton highlights underrated element of Chiefs’ success

The Chiefs are known for their offense, but Broncos coach Sean Payton has highlighted KC’s “real good defense.”

The Kansas City Chiefs are the NFL’s only remaining undefeated team, but it’s not their offense that has been carrying them this season.

The Chiefs are averaging 25.4 points per game, which is certainly a good total (it ranks 10th in the NFL), but they have only allowed 18.4 points per game, fourth-fewest in the league. KC’s defense should not be overlooked.

“They’ve been in a lot a closer games this year,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said on Wednesday. “They’ve had some injuries like all of us. They’re playing really, really well on defense. What’s interesting sometimes is historically speaking, many of you’ve covered this league for a long time and if I asked you about the [Joe] Montana or the Steve Young 49ers, we all think of the offense always. Those guys had fantastic defenses, and I would say this team we’re playing has got a real good defense. We’ve got a ton of tape, obviously a divisional opponent on the road. We’re going to have to have a good week, and we’re going to have to play well.”

The Chiefs’ defense has allowed 293.6 passing yards (fifth) and 83.9 rushing yards (third) per game this season. The unit has 17 sacks and eight takeaways through eight games. KC’s defense is coached by Steve Spagnuolo, a four-time Super Bowl champion who goes way back with Payton.

“Listen, he’s a fantastic coach,” Payton said of Spagnuolo. “The late Jim Johnson, who some of you might remember, was one of our best defensive coordinators this league has seen. He was in Philadelphia and Steve cut his teeth under Jim. They’re going to apply pressure. It’s not just going to be on third down. It can be the weak linebacker in the corner. So a lot of fire zone coverage, a lot of man, and he saw it firsthand.

“Jim was someone that just really believed in stressing you in a lot of different ways. Now, that all being said, Steve’s put his spin on it. They’ve played really good technique; they’re smart; they’re near the top of the league in giving up explosives. Sometimes when you’re trying to apply pressure, you might get hit for the big play, but these guys are extremely well coached, and they’re a challenge.”

Spagnuolo landed with the Eagles one season after Payton left Philadelphia’s staff. He was later the Saints’ defensive coordinator in 2012 (when Payton served a full-season suspension for Bountygate). The veteran coach knows how to take away a team’s strengths, something Denver needs to be wary of this week.

“They do a really good job of finding your strengths and weaknesses and trying to exploit them,” wide receiver Courtland Sutton said. “It’s something that we have to know and be aware of, especially with us having a rookie quarterback. They’re going to try and test him and just see how much film is he watching and how prepared is he going to be?

“I have no lack of faith of Bo [Nix] being prepared, this offense being prepared, this defense being prepared and everyone being prepared to go in and take care of business. We have to be on our p’s and q’s to be able to go in there and knock off the defending Super Bowl champs at home.”

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map). Playing at home, KC is considered a heavy favorite against the Broncos.

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Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo discusses Joshua Uche’s role: ‘I’m not sure’

Kansas City Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo discusses Joshua Uche’s role: ‘I’m not sure’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ recent trade with the New England Patriots has landed them one of the best young pass rushers in the league. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke to reporters on Friday for the first time since acquiring Joshua Uche, sharing his thoughts on his potential role on the team.

“I’m not sure what will happen this Monday – I mean, it’s quick, but (Defensive Line Coach) Joe’s (Cullen) doing – Joe and (Assistant Defensive Line Coach) Terry (Bradden) are doing the best they can to get him (Joshua Uche) up to date on the things we’re doing,” said Spagnuolo. “We just went through a walk-through there, and he got involved in it, so that’s good. We’ll see where we’re at. Hopefully, we get some edge rush out of him. I know he’s a good football player – a lot of good things about him – all the research we did. Mike Danna played with him. I remember talking to Mike about him as a teammate, and everything came back positive, so (we’ll) keep our fingers crossed and be hopeful.”

Uche has two sacks this season and will be counted on in various ways for Spagnuolo’s defense during the stretch run. The relationship with former college teammate Mike Danna should help the learning curve and possibly get Uche on the field for Monday night.

Chiefs LB Joshua Uche details his progress in learning Steve Spagnuolo’s system: ‘It’s a lot’

Kansas City #Chiefs linebacker Joshua Uche details his progress in learning Steve Spagnuolo’s system: ‘It’s a lot’ | @EdEastonJr

Newly acquired Kansas City Chiefs pass rusher Joshua Uche addressed the media on Thursday for the first time as a team member. He spoke about his adjustment to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system and progress to potentially playing on Monday night.

“It’s a lot. Man, that’s what makes him (Steve Spagnuolo) so great,” said Uche. “He brings in smart, tough, dependable football players that can pick up and absorb much information. So, you know, I know it’s my first couple days in, but I’m working the best I can to absorb all that information.”

The former Michigan standout, who played for the New England Patriots for the last five years, admires Spagnuolo’s game-planning style and is eager to work with him in Kansas City.

“He’s one of the legends in the league. Just from all the different schemes, he runs blitzes and pressures, you name it,” said Uche. I mean, yeah, he’s definitely a legend around the league. I mean, seeing him up close and personal day in and day out right now is like, I don’t know, it still doesn’t feel real. It’ll hit me soon, though.”

Uche practiced for the first time on Thursday and hopes to get the coaches’ green light to play in Week 9 while he still learns the playbook.

“I’m doing everything I can to be out there, you know, at the end of the day, that’s a coaching decision,” said Uche. “So, (I’m) just doing everything I can to be prepared and ready to go to help the team win.”

The former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft has two sacks so far this season and hopes to add to that total in Kansas City.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid praises All-Pro player’s run defense: ‘It helps everybody’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid praises All-Pro Chris Jones’ run defense: ‘It helps everybody’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to the media on Monday for his weekly Zoom press conference. He expressed his appreciation for the work All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones has done against the run.

“We understand that if you take care of business up front, it helps everybody. Chris Jones not only did it in the pass game but he did it in the run game,” said Reid. “People always say, ‘Wow, how is he in the run (game)?’ Well, he’s making tackles behind the line of scrimmage here, so that’s a positive thing.”

The Chiefs, entering Week 9, have the second-best defense against the run, holding teams to 576 yards, second to only the Baltimore Ravens.

“For us, being able to stop the run, that’s the primary goal every single week,” said Karlaftis during Sunday’s postgame press conference. “As the front seven as a defense, you know, we keep them, we make them one dimensional; that’s what we want to be.”

The ongoing dominance from defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s group has contributed heavily to Kansas City’s undefeated start to the season. The recent addition of Joshua Uche from Monday’s trade with the New England Patriots will only strengthen the unit for the postseason run.

Chiefs trade with Patriots for LB Joshua Uche

Kansas City #Chiefs acquired LB Joshua Uche in a trade with the New England #Patriots on Monday after their Week 8 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to add options for their undefeated roster ahead of the trade deadline as they set their sights on a three-peat.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kansas City is acquiring linebacker Joshua Uche from the New England Patriots. Uche is a former Patriots 2020 second-round pick from Michigan who will now be expected to make an impact for the Chiefs during their stretch run to the postseason.

The 26-year-old has had two sacks in six games this season with the rebuilding Patriots and 20.5 sacks in his career. The fifth-year outside linebacker is another pass rusher for the Chiefs, who are fresh off of five sacks in the Week 8 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

 

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the breaking news of the trade during his weekly Zoom press conference on Monday.

“I mean, it helps the secondary. Any pressure that you can put on the quarterback, we’re gonna add another guy in here,” said Reid. “(Brett) Veach has made a trade with (the) Patriots, so that’ll be a nice addition going forward, but we understand that you take care of business up front. It helps everybody.”

Uche’s addition to an already dominant Chiefs defense is another reason the team fully trusts general manager Brett Veach and the front office’s decisions.