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The Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive line continues to be led by two veterans in Chris Jones and Frank Clark, but it’s the unsung co-stars of the unit that have provided much-needed help lately.
Chiefs’ fifth-round draft pick Mike Danna is one of the unsung heroes, coming in behind Jones and Clark with third-most sacks on the team this season. The rookie defender played well in the Chiefs’ road victory against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. He spoke about the team’s preparation leading up to the game while speaking with reporters during Wednesday’s press conference.
”I think our preparation was big, man,” Danna said. “We went into this game knowing what our assignment was, what our goals were. We knew that when we came to the game we had to hit those assignments and execute the games, execute our rushers and just show up when our number was called and be ready when an opportunity is given to us.”
The Chiefs secured four team sacks against Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagliaova in Week 14. Danna notched one of those sacks during the game and has made an immediate impact since his return off of injured reserve in Week 8. It’s not always easy to return from injury in the NFL, especially as a rookie. Danna revealed what he learned about himself with the injury and his recovery.
“As always, you’ve got to respect the game, man. This game can take you out at the snap of your fingers,” Danna said. “Understanding that any play can be my last play, any game can be my last game, any practice can be my last practice. Coming in with the same energy, the same intensity, the same work preparation, work ethic each week and just try to keep getting better. I learned a lot over the injury, I learned a lot from the vets, I learned a lot from watching film. All in all, I got a lot of positive out of that one negative situation.”
Fresh off of the hamstring injury, Danna currently has 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks on the season. He figures to be a vital player providing depth on the defensive line as the Chiefs head into the postseason.
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