Tag: Steve Spagnuolo

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.

Former Chiefs defensive back responds to offseason trade to Titans: ‘I was bitter’

Former Kansas City #Chiefs DB L’Jarius Sneed responds to offseason trade to Titans: ‘I was bitter’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs made many changes during the offseason to improve the team, which led to sacrifices at certain positions. The decision to trade top cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans during the offseason continues to be felt by the defense leading into the new season.

Sneed opened up about the trade and his immediate reaction to head coach and Andy Reid after he was dealt to Tennesse. He was featured as a guest on ‘The Pivot‘ podcast to explain his mindset after not being retained by Kansas City.

“Yeah. Man, I didn’t talk to him. I was upset. Man, I was upset. Kansas (City), you know, that’s like my first love,” said Sneed. “So many ways, it showed me how to be a champion. Gave me two rings. And, you know, it’s just (that) I was bitter, you know, I was angry because I wanted to stay. And that environment around everybody I was used to. But, you know, it’s God’s plan.”

Sneed was a crucial part of the Chief’s defense, often matching up and shutting down the best receiver on the opposing team. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and his former teammates in Kansas City have been vocal about his absence since training camp.

Former Chiefs defensive back credits Steve Spagnuolo for reviving his career

Former Kansas City #Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu credits Steve Spagnuolo for reviving his career | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV victory was a monumental moment in the franchise’s history, helping start the current dynasty. Many players from that season remain, while others have found new teams, but they still maintain respect and support for the coaching staff.

During a recent conversation with Sportscasting’s Kyle Odegard, former Chiefs Pro Bowl safety Tyrann Mathieu praised his experience with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

“Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) rejuvenated me, because there was three to four years where my coach wasn’t calling plays for me,” said Mathieu. “They didn’t think I could do that. He knew I could. He played a big part in my revival.”

Mathieu spent three seasons in Kansas City, earning Pro Bowl selections twice, first-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and second-team honors in 2019. He thanked Spagnuolo for allowing him the freedom to make plays during games.

“Every play that came into the huddle was, ‘Alright, Tyrann, what do you want to do: Play quarters, play half field, do you want to rob the middle?’ I had that freedom. I had the green dot to do what I wanted. That sh– helped me too.” said Mathieu. “So much of the game is psychological, man, mental, and that sh– was important for me. It was a few years before I went to work thinking, ‘This sh– is about to pop off like I’m about to make a play.’ That sh– helps you get out of bed every morning.”

Mathieu is entering his third season with the New Orleans Saints. He is still making plays and maintaining plenty of appreciation from the Chiefs fanbase.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on injured players: ‘More frustrating than annoying‘

Kansas City #Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on injured players: ‘More frustrating than annoying‘ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs enter their final preseason game on Thursday, but they are still unsure about their defensive plans due to key players being unavailable.

On Tuesday, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo revealed to reporters his frustrations with multiple injuries on defense.

“Yeah, so, more frustrating than annoying because it’s really part of it. I was – I made this point in our (defensive) unit meeting the other day, but I don’t believe – we couldn’t have because J-Reid (Justin Reid) hasn’t had any practice snaps, right?” said Spagnuolo. “So, I don’t believe we’ve had the – let’s call it our top 11, 12, or 13, whatever that is. I don’t think we’ve had them on the field for one play. That’s concerning (and) frustrating. Now, I did say to them, ‘Those things are out of our control. I can’t control guys getting hurt, (but) what we can control is our conditioning and being ready to play and all of that.'”

The significant injuries in the secondary have affected the competition for the second starting cornerback position. According to Spagnuolo, the decision has become more complex.

“It’s making it really difficult to decide which way to go,” said Spagnuolo. “We’ve got one more game. Some of these guys will play that are still fighting for jobs, but we can’t say there is a starting other corner right now, in all honesty.”

Chris Jones has also not played in the preseason but is expected to be ready for the regular season opener 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.

Chiefs rookie describes being mentored by veteran DB Justin Reid

#Chiefs rookie Jaden Hicks told the media that veteran DB Justin Reid has taken him under his wing during training camp. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ opening preseason game was missing several veteran players due to injury. The absent starters allowed rookies more opportunities to experience their first NFL game in Saturday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Chiefs rookie defensive back Jaden Hicks spoke with reporters on Monday after practice about his first NFL game and learning from starting safety Justin Reid.

“It was amazing seeing all the guys getting ready for the game,” said Hicks. “Getting all the jitters out as well. But yeah, it was good. Good atmosphere.”

Hicks earned a reputation for being a versatile defensive back during his college career, a trait that was viewed highly by Steve Spagnuolo and veteran defensive players. He spoke about taking this from Reid, who returned to practice Monday for the first time since his injury.

“He’s been amazing so far, coaching me, learning what he’s learning. He’s showing me how to see plays and attack block stuff like that. So he’s been such a helpful guy in the room.” said Hicks, who anticipates Reid’s full return to contact practices soon. “(He) put the helmet on today.”

Hicks will hope for more opportunities and less jitters when he has his first home game at Arrowhead Stadium this Saturday against the Detroit Lions.

WATCH: Impressive rookie breaks up pass at Chiefs training camp

Check out how this Chiefs rookie broke up a pass during Kansas City’s practice session at training camp on Friday.

The Kansas City Chiefs targeted defensive backs in the late rounds of the 2024 NFL draft, and are already reaping the benefits of upgrades to their secondary.

During Friday’s training camp practice at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, rookie Jaden Hicks made an impressive effort to break up a throw from Carson Wentz.

The play was featured by the Chiefs in a video that was posted to Twitter. gave fans their first glimpse of Hicks’ outstanding ability in the defensive backfield.

Take a look at his outstanding pass coverage to get a sense of what Hicks might bring to the table in 2024:

Though the Washington State product will have to continue fighting for playing time through the rest of training camp and the preseason, Hicks is uniquely positioned to take on a key role in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense as a rookie.

Keep your eye on Hicks as Kansas City’s coaching staff determines where he will fit on the Chiefs’ depth chart.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on secondary depth: ‘Somebody’s got to step up’

Kansas City #Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on secondary depth: ‘Somebody’s got to step up’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defense was one of the top-tier units in the league last season, with solid play at each level. The off-season changes could make things different for the talented group heading into the 2024 campaign.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke with reporters after Monday’s practice, focusing on the desire to see a defensive back take a significant step forward in helping to solidify the secondary.

“Well, we know who our number one is, right? We all know that, and we’re just trying to find guys. We’re gonna have to find our next two best players.” said Spagnuolo. “However, that works out. We know Nahzee (Johnson), (is) dealing with this little injury right now. Josh (Joshua Williams) has been out there (and so has) Kelvin (Joseph). There are a lot of guys mixing in there, but somebody’s got to surface, and if not, it gets tough.”

Spagnuolo has made it no secret that L’Jarius Sneed’s departure has changed the secondary’s identity. The goal at training camp is to find a solid second corner next to All-Pro Trent McDuffie.

“You can have the best pass rush in the world, but these receivers get open quick if you’re not able to cover them, so we’ve got some developing to do,” said Spagnuolo. “We certainly miss LJ (L’Jarius Sneed), but somebody’s got to step up there and take that. (I’m) waiting for somebody to assert themselves and say that I’m that guy who can do it.”

The upcoming preseason games will help determine who answered Spagnuolo’s call and who eventually gets the starting spot.

Trent McDuffie on role as Chiefs’ top cornerback: ‘I’m still growing and learning’

Trent McDuffie told reporters that he is ‘still growing and learning’ in his new role as the #Chiefs’ top cornerback. | @EdEastonJr

Offseason changes to the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense have forced adjustments on the team’s depth chart, with some players taking on new responsibilities.

One such player is third-year defensive back Trent McDuffie, who will be taking over as Kansas City’s top cornerback this season. In comments to the media on Monday, McDuffie made it clear that he not backing down from the challenge of leading Steve Spagnuolo’s defense in 2024.

“Last year, [I was] All-Pro, but I felt like I still was learning so much,” McDuffie explained. “Last year was really my first time at the nickel position, Then this year [with] L.J. [L’Jarius Sneed] leaving moving to the outside, [it is] a whole different ballgame. On the outside, on the island, you got to be a technician and come into this camp knowing that I might have to do some more of that.

“Each and every day, I’ve been just working little by little on technique and just trying to perfect myself out there. I’m still growing and learning, and I feel like that’s one thing that wakes me up every day.”

McDuffie knows his new role will require constant coverage on the opposing team’s best wide receiver. He is embracing the challenge and isn’t concerned about the adjustments.

“I told Spags [Steve Spagnuolo] wherever you need me like I always said, that’s where you can put me,” said McDuffie. “Going against the best of the best, that’s why we play this game to go against the best of the best, so be able to compete no matter who it’s against. I’m ready to do that.”

The evolution of McDuffie’s playing style will determine so much about the Chiefs’ defense in 2024.