Kansas City Chiefs defender had his best game of the season during Week 8 win over Raiders
The Kansas City Chiefs marched into Las Vegas in Week 8 and beat the Raiders 27-20, but may not have done so without the big-time performance from linebacker Drue Tranquill. After a bit of a slow start to the 2024 season, Tranquill has hit his stride in recent weeks. He was the best free agent […]
The Kansas City Chiefs marched into Las Vegas in Week 8 and beat the Raiders 27-20, but may not have done so without the big-time performance from linebacker Drue Tranquill.
After a bit of a slow start to the 2024 season, Tranquill has hit his stride in recent weeks. He was the best free agent acquisition for the Chiefs in 2023, recording 78 tackles, 4.5 sacks, eight quarterback pressures and two forced fumbles in 16 games played.
As they have during recent meetings, the Raiders played Kansas City tough on Sunday. However, led by Tranquill, the Chiefs' defense made multiple big stands against Vegas' offense. Tranquill recorded six total tackles (second on the team), one sack, three tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.
Pro Football Focus gave him an 85.3 grade for his performance, good for the highest on the team.
Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has utilized Tranquill's versatility by dropping him into pass coverage as a safety a few times per game throughout the season. This allows Spagnuolo to disguise both his coverages and where he brings the blitz from.
Tranquill has 38 tackles, one sack, six quarterback pressures and four tackles for loss on the season. The Chiefs gave him a well-deserved three-year, $19 million contract extension during the offseason. An extension for fellow linebacker Nick Bolton remains to be seen.
Tranquill and Bolton make up one of the best linebacker combinations in the league. If Bolton isn't retained, Tranquill's importance to the Chiefs' defense becomes even more crucial. As for the rest of the 2024 season, if the Chiefs are able to accomplish the NFL's first Super Bowl three-peat, Tranquill and Bolton will be a big reason why.
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