Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo going back to training camp formula to replace injured starter
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a major blow to their defense last week when cornerback Jaylen Watson went down with fractured ankle. While there's a glimmer of hope that he can return for the postseason, the Chiefs will be without Watson for the foreseeable future. It won't be easy replacing him as Watson was having […]
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a major blow to their defense last week when cornerback Jaylen Watson went down with fractured ankle.
While there's a glimmer of hope that he can return for the postseason, the Chiefs will be without Watson for the foreseeable future. It won't be easy replacing him as Watson was having a very stellar season, recording 32 tackles, six passes defensed, and allowing a lowly 26.7 percent completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks.
Behind Watson on the depth chart is Nazeeh Johnson, Joshua Williams, Keith Taylor and Chris Roland-Wallace. While speaking to the media on Thursday, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo talked about replacing Watson with what was the original plan during training camp.
"So, we go back to training camp, and in the offseason, actually in training camp he (Watson) was hurt," Spagnuolo said. "So, I mean, he battled his way back, we talked about the battle at the corner position. He kind of surfaced as the guy. And to have that happen (Watson getting injured), I think is crushing to all of us, but somebody else has got to step up. I mean, certainly Nazeeh (Johnson) will get in there. Josh (Williams) will get in there. We may rotate. Some guys do some different things, but we'll have to find a guy that can be as effective as Jalen was."
Spagnuolo was asked specifically if the rookie Roland-Wallace, who recorded his first career interception off of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy last week, would see an increased role within the secondary.
“Listen, C-Ro (Chris Roland-Wallace) is one of those guys that – he came here as a free agent. He earned everything he’s gotten right now. He made the team, made the roster, made the 53. He’s earned playing time. I don’t know if you know – (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave (Toub) and I talked every week about trying to get him in there in games. We got him in there last week. I think before Jaylen got hurt, I can’t even remember, but we’ve been talking about it a lot. I guess what I’m trying to say is he’s kind of earned the right to get some playing time, so you’ll see him in and out of there and we’re going to have to use him as one guy goes down – other guys, our responsibilities go up so that’ll happen to Chris.”
Spagnuolo makes it clear that multiple cornerbacks will be rotating in and out based off situations, which is what they did during camp. If somebody happens to step up and plays really well, they could separate themselves from the pack like Watson did. Johnson will likely get the most snaps among them as he has all year, but watch for Williams to come in during redzone situations due to his size and length.
Chiefs get good midweek injury report news ahead of their Week 8 tilt with the Raiders
The Kansas City Chiefs have seemingly shaken their midweek injury curse ahead of Week 8 vs. the Las Vegas Raiders.
