Three Chiefs players that saw their stock rise after loss to Lions
It's safe to say that Thursday night was a disappointment for the Kansas City Chiefs. "It’s embarrassing for me to lose anytime," Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after the loss to the Detroit Lions. "Like I said, after the ring ceremony, I moved onto the next season. Obviously it’s cool for the fans to be […]
It's safe to say that Thursday night was a disappointment for the Kansas City Chiefs.
"It’s embarrassing for me to lose anytime," Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after the loss to the Detroit Lions. "Like I said, after the ring ceremony, I moved onto the next season. Obviously it’s cool for the fans to be able to see the banner and drop it at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium but this is a whole new year and I think I know that and we’re trying to win another Super Bowl and this is obviously not the way we wanted to start and so anytime I lose I’m embarrassed. So, I’m going to try to get better so I don’t lose more as the season goes on.”
But, even though the overall product wasn't good, there were still some bright spots on the field and the best part it the good production came from players at very important positions.
So let's somewhat-wash the bad taste out of our mouths, for now, and talk about three Chiefs players that saw their stock rise after the loss to the Lions.
C Creed Humphrey
Humphrey continued his march toward claiming the title of the NFL's best center on Thursday night. The Chiefs offensive line was serviceable, as a whole, but Humphrey was the best player on the front five and the tape and stats back it up.
Per Pro Football Focus, Humphrey was the only Chiefs offensive lineman that didn't allow a single pressure on 48 pass blocking snaps. His run blocking wasn't up to its usual standard, but he still graded out as average on the night.
It's going to be fun to watch Humphrey in Year 3. There's a great chance he could end up with his first first-team All-Pro nod at the end of the season.
CB Trent McDuffie
Coming off a solid rookie year, the Chiefs are really banking on the former first-rounder to take a big step and continue to prove he is part of the secondary's foundation for the foreseeable future.
Thursday night was a great first step in that direction. McDuffie led the team with eight total tackles and he forced a crucial fumble on Marvin Jones Jr. as the veteran receiver was about to put the Lions in a goal-to-go situation.
The Chiefs played him all over the formation, showcasing his versatility. PFF has McDuffie with four snaps on the defensive line (he was blitzed three times), 10 in the box, 30 at nickel, 26 on the perimeter, and then four "outside", which constitutes anywhere between a 5-, 7-, or 9-tech, generally.
Jared Goff did complete four of his five attempts at McDuffie, but the corner only allowed 38-yards with a long of 18.
He even earned the label of "special" from broadcaster and former NFL player, Chris Collinsworth. Overall, it was a great night for McDuffie and there should be plenty more similar performances down the road.
LB Nick Bolton
Another Year 3 player, Bolton looks poised and primed to have his best year yet.
He didn't really fill up the stat sheet, even though he did tie for the second-most tackles on the team with seven. Regardless, he was around the ball all night long and made plenty of plays that didn't fill up the stat sheet, but certainly impacted the game.
Bolton needs to keep working on his coverage game, but if he can become just a solid coverage guy, then the Chiefs will have yet another young foundational piece for years to come.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is embarrassed
It’s very embarrassing.
Featured image via Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
