Tag: Trent McDuffie

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.

WATCH: McDuffie hauls in one-handed interception

Watch this Wednesday training camp highlight from the Chiefs’ official Twitter where Trent McDuffie gets in Mecole Hardman’s way to make this interception with just one hand.

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie was drilling 1-on-1 in St. Joseph on Wednesday at one of the last training sessions of the yearly camp at Missouri Western State University, where the team warms up to enter the preseason.

McDuffie rejoins the team this year after two victorious Super Bowl outings, the first of which he made as a rookie where he made 5 tackles against the Philadephia Eagles, and the skilled cornerback is expected to play this year as a starter for the Kansas City.

Watch this Wednesday training camp highlight from the Chiefs’ official Twitter where Trent McDuffie gets in Mecole Hardman’s way to make this interception with just one hand.

Stay tuned to see McDuffie on the field against the Detroit Lions this Saturday in the Chiefs’ second preseason tilt, when starters are expected to play the first half of the game in comments made by Andy Reid about the coming match.

LOOK: NBA champion Rasheed Wallace visits Chiefs training camp

NBA champion Rasheed Wallace visits Kansas City #Chiefs training camp | @EdEastonJr

The final days of training camp are underway for the Kansas City Chiefs as they prepare for their second preseason game. Wednesday’s practice had an extra boost with the appearance of NBA champion and Chiefs super fan Rasheed Wallace.

In photos shared by the Chiefs X account, Wallace is shown greeting Patrick Mahomes, Isiah Pacheco, Trent McDuffie, and head coach Andy Reid. The multiple-time NBA All-Star has often shown his appreciation for the team throughout his career on and off the court.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. recently spoke to Wallace about his fandom and how it started decades ago.

“I became a Chiefs fan in 1992, and the reason being, I was a Montana fan; Joe Montana got traded from the Niners. I wasn’t a Niners fan — an individual of football. I didn’t have a team at the time, and then when he got traded, nobody I knew was a Chiefs fan.” said Wallace. “And so I was like, ‘Oh, man, that’s perfect; we were still in the gutter.’ We weren’t winning. I said, ‘OK, that’s just my team.’ I stuck with them through all the days. That’s the whole Trent Green, then the Alex Smith (eras). I have been there since ’92 for my guys, and now that we are finally winning, it feels stupendous.”

Wallace has transitioned to podcasting after retiring from basketball and is currently a co-host on “The Sheed & Tyler Show,” an Underdog Fantasy production.

Chiefs DB earns 90-overall rating in ‘Madden 25’

One #Chiefs defensive back earned a 90-overall rating in the upcoming ‘Madden 25’ video game.

The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the most exciting young secondaries in the NFL, and with the 2024 regular season drawing closer every day, all eyes are on the defending champions as they prepare for their latest campaign.

One player with high expectations this season is cornerback Trent McDuffie, who earned a 90-overall rating in the upcoming release of EA Sports’ football game Madden 25, which is set to hit shelves later this month.

Though nine other cornerbacks have better ratings than McDuffie, he can rise above a 90-overall grade if he can put together some exceptional performances during the regular season.

Other Chiefs, including Chris Jones and Travis Kelce, have already had their ratings revealed, but the final grades for quarterbacks haven’t yet been announced.

As a two-time cover athlete on ‘Madden’ and reigning Super Bowl MVP, Patrick Mahomes is expected to earn a spot in the game’s vaunted ’99 Club’.

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.

Chiefs DB Joshua Williams’ training camp focus: ‘I’m working to become the best me I can be’

Kansas City #Chiefs DB Joshua Williams’ training camp focus: ‘I’m working to become the best me I can be’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs secondary significantly changed in the offseason by not retaining top cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. The decision to move on from their lockdown defensive back has provided the opportunity for the many young players on the roster entering training camp.

Chiefs defensive back Joshua Williams expects to be in the running for Sneed’s role in the secondary, as he explained to reporters after Wednesday’s practice.

“LJ (L’Jarius Sneed) was a great player; he was an all-pro level player. I definitely took notes from leadership play style, all those types of things.” said Williams. “that’s something I tried to take notes, and little tidbits add to my game, and every day, I’m working to become the best I can be, but I’m definitely taking tips from how he approached it.”

Since being selected by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Williams has accumulated 58 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and an interception. He hopes the 2024 season will provide more significant playing time with the starters on defense.

“Coming into opportunity, LJ leaving, and I feel like that’s a challenge in itself. So, the first two years were a different role. The opportunity opened up with such a great player like LJ leaving.” Said Williams. “I’m just doing everything I can to show the coaches I’m willing to do everything possible to step in there.”

Williams will compete alongside Trent McDuffie throughout training camp for the other starting cornerback spot. Entering his third season, he’s had experience and can potentially fill the role of the recently departed Sneed.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on the defense without L’Jarius Sneed: ‘I miss him every day’

Kansas City #Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on the defense without L’Jarius Sneed: ‘I miss him every day’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense in 2023 showed the league they were for real with their consistent dominance through the Super Bowl LVIII run.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo addressed the change in the secondary, which included L’Jarius Sneed’s departure in the offseason and the possibility of Trent McDuffie taking over his role moving forward. He spoke with reporters about it on Monday after practice.

“We’ll see how that goes. I mean, almost every game, we had LJ (L’Jarius Sneed) travel with the “top receiver,” whether we do that or not with Trent (McDuffie), it’ll just be a game-by-game plan. We’ll see who the other corner is and who the nickel is.” said Spagnuolo. “There’s still a lot of unknowns right now. We got some work to do back there. We certainly miss LJ; I miss him every day.”

During his 57 regular-season games in Kansas City, Sneed had ten interceptions and 40 passes defended. In the postseason, he had one interception and seven passes defended in 13 games, primarily against the opposing team’s top receiver.

“Some of the schemes might change. We’ll see somebody going to step up and serve that particular role. If we don’t, we go in another direction and find another way to do it,” said Spagnuolo. “In the years we’ve been here, we always, every game, travel a corner. We did it a little bit when Charvarius Ward was here; we did with him, but it’ll be a game-by-game thing.”

The Chiefs’ defense was the team’s primary strength last season and was praised for its work in the secondary. The absence of Sneed could play a significant role in whether or not the success can be replicated in 2024.

Chiefs premiere ‘Back-to-Back Greatness’ teasing upcoming Super Bowl LVIII ring unveiling

Kansas City #Chiefs premiere ‘Back-to-Back Greatness’ teasing the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII Ring unveiling | @EdEastonJr

Missouri native Jon Hamm, an Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award-winning actor, narrates the unique campaign. It features Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis.

In the spot, the defensive standouts are seen inside a museum gallery, observing Chiefs’ artifacts and gold-framed paintings of moments throughout Chiefs’ history, hung on striking red walls.

McDuffie and Karlaftis send viewers to different eras of Chiefs football, with archival photos, video, and audio highlighting franchise history from the earliest days with Founder Lamar Hunt, Head Coach Hank Stram, and quarterback Len Dawson to the modern era of Chiefs football led by Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, Head Coach Andy Reid and QB Patrick Mahomes.

The Chiefs’ three previous Super Bowl rings (IV, LIV, LVII) – all produced by Jostens, The Official Championship Ring Manufacturer of the Kansas City Chiefs appeared in the video, alluding to the newest piece of jewelry on the way.

“A championship ring ceremony is one of the most unique nights in the sports world as it represents the culmination of a year’s worth of work on- and off the field and marks the last time players, coaches, and staff will celebrate together before turning the page to the next season,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “Winning back-to-back championships is an incredible achievement, and having the chance to commemorate the season this way is a truly special privilege. We can’t wait to celebrate as an organization and share special moments from the evening with all of Chiefs Kingdom.”

Fans are invited to tune in to the Chiefs’ social accounts on X, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as the team’s Official YouTube Channel to view exclusive Red Carpet coverage, Ring Ceremony highlights, and the Ring Unveiling, along with reactions of players and coaches.

Chargers’ Ja’Sir Taylor named one of NFL’s top slot defenders

Ja’Sir Taylor received high praise from Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar.

Chargers cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor was recognized as the 11th-best slot defender by Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar.

Here is what Farrar had to say about Taylor making the list.

Of all the slot defenders I studied to compile this list, Ja’Sir Taylor is the one with the least national name recognition. One might expect that to change for the 2022 sixth-round pick out of Wake Forest now that new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is in charge under Jim Harbaugh, who had Minter at Michigan.

Even in a weird Brandon Staley defense in 2023, Taylor proved to be quite adept in the slot. He had 207 coverage snaps in the slot last season, allowing 29 catches on 47 slot targets for 337 yards, 168 yards after the catch, no touchdowns, one interception, seven pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 74.5.

Taylor is coming off his first full season as a starter after his rookie campaign was primarily spent on special teams, with some starts towards the end of 2022, including a masterful performance against the Dolphins that year.

Taylor’s sophomore season was a mixed bag of results. While he was solid in coverage for the most part, Taylor struggled as an open-field tackler. As a result, he finished with a 29.9 tackling grade.

Entering Year 3, Taylor has the opportunity to really break out under new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. He will have to fend off rookie Tarheeb Still for the starting slot corner spot.

But if he keeps his job, Taylor will provide the defense with a strong cover man with the ability to blitz.