Tag: Steve Spagnuolo

Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins on Andy Reid, Steve Spagnuolo’s success with Chiefs

Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins spoke to @EdEastonJr about Andy Reid, Steve Spagnuolo’s success with Chiefs

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famer and Philadelphia Eagles legend Brian Dawkins.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Dawkins discussed representing Boehringer & Lilly’s It Takes 2 health initiative at the Rose Parade, spreading awareness about getting tested for kidney disease, and his thoughts on former Eagles coaches Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo’s success in Kansas City.

As part of his role as a campaign advocate, Dawkins will be riding in a custom float at the parade titled “It’s In Your Hands: It Takes 2,” designed to empower people to take control of their health.

Kidney disease is a progressive and potentially life-threatening condition that impacts more than 35 million adults in the U.S. Dawkins’ parents have a history of both type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which makes it critical for both to focus on their kidney health and is why he joined the cause.

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Dawkins spent thirteen of his sixteen NFL seasons in Philadelphia, where Andy Reid primarily coached him. Steve Spagnuolo served as a defensive assistant coach during Dawkins’ tenure. The nine-time Pro Bowler believed the team’s current success in Kansas City should have happened in Philadelphia.

“What you’re seeing in Kansas City, I thought that was going to be in Philadelphia,” Dawkins explained. “I thought it would be Andy (Reid) still coaching here, and once Jim (Johnson) moved on. However, that was going to be, I didn’t think it was going to be because we lost him to cancer, but I thought he would move on, and then Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) would step into his space. But Spags got an opportunity to go to the (New York) Giants, and the rest is history.”

Reid was the Eagles’ head coach from 1999 to 2012. During his 14-year tenure, he compiled the best win total, winning percentage, and playoff victory total in team history. He won six division titles and made five trips to the NFC Championship game.

“He’s been doing his thing now at Kansas City all these many years later,” Dawkins said. “But first of all, I’m proud of them for sticking to it, of staying in there if Andy went through some tough times in Philadelphia, and of all the things that had him then leave and stop coaching for a while and collect himself.

“Then, he’s come back better. Like he’s coming back with more understanding of how to do different things better. So you can see the evolution of both of them, of how they call games and all those things. And because of that, I believe that that’s one of the reasons the team is in a position to win every year: they both have seen so much.”

Aside from Reid’s three Super Bowl victories with the Chiefs, he’s added more to the NFL record books. He is the only NFL coach to win 100 games and appear in four consecutive conference championships with two teams.

“There’s only so much you can throw in an offense defensively, as far as blitzes are concerned, disguises, and there’s only so much you can do on the offensive side of the ball that they have not seen,” Dawkins explained. “I believe they have the counters for a lot of the things that are thrown their way. And then they have capable talent that the players that, more than likely, I would tell you, police, the locker room themselves, and they don’t have to be told a whole bunch of things when it comes to that. And then they go out and perform at a very high level.”

The following links provide more information on Eli Lilly’s It Takes 2 & TestYourKidneys.com.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo shares his thoughts on the Texans offense: ‘They’re in complete synergy’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo shares his thoughts on the Houston #Texans offense: ‘They’re in complete synergy’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke with reporters on Wednesday about his game plan to slow down the Houston Texans’ offense this Saturday.

“They (Texans QB C.J. Stroud and Texans WR Nico Collins) look like they’re in complete synergy (meshes hands together), and not just those two and not just that wideout,” said Spagnuolo. “I think they have a tight end (Texans TE Dalton Schultz) that’s really effective, their slot receivers (Texans WR Tank Dell) really good, and then the running back (Texans RB Joe Mixon), who we saw a lot when he was in Cincinnati –boy, what a find he was for them and he – and not just as a running back. He catches the ball out of the backfield, too.”

The Chiefs defense held the Cleveland Browns to seven points in last Sunday’s 21-7 victory, registering a season-high six takeaways in the process. It marks the club’s first game with six or more takeaways since the team recorded eight takeaways vs. the New York Jets in a Week 3 game in the 2016 season. 

“We hadn’t played the Texans since C.J. (Stroud) had gotten there, so we really hadn’t studied them other than seeing highlights and whatnot, but he’s as impressive as you had heard about people talking. (He’s) really poised for a second-year quarterback, and I think he just has a unique ability to move around in the pocket and still have his eyes downfield.” said Spagnuolo. “He makes a lot of plays slipping in and out of the pocket and finding an open receiver, and when a quarterback can do that, I think that’s pretty dangerous.”

The Texans have clinched a postseason spot this year and will likely host a wild-card game. Kansas City’s last home regular-season game will energize the defense, which will be looking to repeat last week’s performance.

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 assistant coach reportedly leaving staff for college football job

Kansas City #Chiefs assistant coach Terry Bradden reportedly leaving staff for college football job | @EdEastonJr

The postseason is only a few weeks away, and the Kansas City Chiefs will attempt to become the first NFL team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. After this journey, they will likely lose a member of their coaching staff on defense.

According to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, The Nebraska Cornhuskers are set to hire Chiefs assistant defensive line coach Terry Bradden as the school’s new defensive line coach. Bradden has been with Kansas City for eight seasons, the last four of which were as an assistant under defensive line coach Joe Cullen. The move would be for the next college football season, as Bradden is expected to stay on for Kansas City’s postseason run.

Bradden has contributed to Kansas City’s defensive growth during his tenure, working with different groups before settling in with the defensive line. The unit has become a top group in the league after humble beginnings and struggles in the late 2010s. He was a trusted member of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s staff, which has helped develop standouts such as Chris Jones, Mike Danna, Tershawn Wharton, and George Karlaftis, to name a few.

Bradden will join Nebraska’s staff, led by head coach Matt Rhule. Rhule recently served as head coach of the Carolina Panthers from 2020 to 2022. Nebraska will take on Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York for this year’s Pinstripe Bowl.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on the second matchup of the season vs. Chargers

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo on the second matchup of the season vs. Los Angeles #Chargers | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs will meet the Los Angeles Chargers for the second time this season on Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium. Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has figured out ways to slow down their offense in the past, including Week 4 of this season, and described the challenge of playing them again 10 weeks later during Thursday’s press conference.

“Well, we did play them (the Chargers) fairly early. I think they’re – and with a new staff and a new team, I think it takes them a while to figure out who they are. I think they have figured that out, and you can see that,” said Spagnuolo. “You can see the thread of what they want to do, what they would like to try to do (and) how they go about winning games. I think they have a great formula. I mean, I have a lot of respect for (Chargers Head Coach) Jim (Harbaugh) and (Chargers Offensive Coordinator) Greg (Roman) with the way they do things.”

The Chargers have been led by quarterback Justin Herbert’s efficient play, throwing only one interception on the season. They will have multiple offensive line players back who were absent in their first matchup due to injury.

“It’s still going to come back to – I mean, when we have a wrinkle that’s a little bit different than the first time – absolutely, we always think that way,” said Spagnuolo. “Can we get into those wrinkles? We’ll see because sometimes they’re dictated by the situation, but I think they’re a little bit different in –I mean, the biggest thing that will be different for us is that when we played them last time, (Chargers QB) Justin (Herbert) had a bum ankle and wasn’t running as much. I mean, he gutted it out in that game. He’s running pretty good now. That in and of itself will be different for us.”

Along with All-Pro Chris Jones, George Karlaftis is coming off a productive outing in the Week 13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, where he collected a sack. He will be another essential member of the defensive line that will look to pressure Herbert and disrupt Los Angeles’ game plan.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo frustrated over Panthers game-tying scoring drive: ‘Got me upset’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo frustrated over Carolina #Panthers game-tying scoring drive: ‘Got me upset’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 12 victory over the Carolina Panthers was marred by late-game drama. The defense gave up the game-tying score, squandering a two-score lead before Patrick Mahomes, and the offense led a game-winning drive in regulation.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo wasn’t thrilled with his unit’s performance in the game’s final minutes. He shared his thoughts with reporters during Tuesday’s press conference.

“I never like to finish a game like that and put Patrick (Mahomes) and the offense in that kind of situation. It would’ve been nice to win the fourth down or somewhere along the way get (to) a stop there where – we’ve been through this – we’ve actually practiced this a couple of times on purpose,” said Spagnuolo. “I’ve put the guys in situations in a walk-through where I’ve said, ‘Okay, they just scored. If we stop the two-point play, we win the game,’ because when people score on you, you tend to – now, I think our guys were ready to play the play. It didn’t work out that way, but that’s what kind of got me upset.”

Spagnuolo praised Bryce Young’s performance in leading the Panthers’ drives, but he still realizes some issues with his unit.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo reveals defense’s ramp-up process during the postseason push

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo reveals defense’s ramp-up process during the postseason push | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has handled this time of year well throughout his career in the NFL. He knows how to get his team ready for the end of the season in time for the playoffs, and he discussed it with reporters on Thursday.

“Well, one of the things (that) we try to do is simplify at times. I think sometimes, when you simplify, you play faster. There’s been a little bit of that direction this week.” said Spagnuolo. “We’re always going to be multiple because we believe in putting pressure on the team that we’re playing, but if everybody can just be on point and just stay in their lane and do their job – we talk about that all the time. When we play our best is when the unit chemistry is like that (meshed hands together), not anybody trying to do their own thing. We haven’t had a lot of that this year, so if we can get back to that and not make those mental errors, I think we’ll be okay.”

The Chiefs defense has earned the praise it has received this season, but it knows it needs to improve in pass rush and takeaways if it wants a realistic chance at a three-peat.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones responds to criticism after Week 11 loss to Bills: ‘I love adversity’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones responds to criticism after Week 11 loss to Bills: ‘I love adversity’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs first loss of the season in November isn’t a reason for concern, as they remain focused on a three-peat. All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones spoke to reporters on Thursday about the team’s mindset after last week’s loss and how they are working on correcting mistakes.

“I love adversity. I think it builds character, and we have a good group of guys with energy in the building. Has been great all week, uplifting. “said Jones. “We know it was one loss. It’s a lot of errors we can correct, and that’s what our main focus has been on this week, making sure we correct those errors and go out and play this week in Carolina.”

Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke with the unit earlier in the week, pointing out numerous mistakes from the game. Jones reflected on that film session with optimism.

“I think that was a positive. You can show us where the game is in ten plays and where we could have changed. Maybe the outcome could have been different, and be critical of your own errors.” said Jones. “I don’t think we played our best game last game, and a lot of us could have played better off in the defensive, and we’re going to get better from it. It’s a lot we can learn from.

The Chiefs defense hasn’t had the statistical production on pass rushes that thrived last season. The low number of sacks is a concern, but Jones and the rest of the line feel they can correct it soon.

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.