Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling redeeming his regular-season struggles with postseason successes
Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been the target of Kansas City Chiefs fans criticisms and frustration this year. Despite playing the second most snaps of all Chiefs' receivers, Valdes-Scantling recorded just 21 catches for 315 yards and one touchdown during the regular season. Even more frustrating than his lack of production was his multiple dropped passes […]
Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been the target of Kansas City Chiefs fans criticisms and frustration this year.
Despite playing the second most snaps of all Chiefs' receivers, Valdes-Scantling recorded just 21 catches for 315 yards and one touchdown during the regular season. Even more frustrating than his lack of production was his multiple dropped passes during clutch situations and lackluster route running. This led to his attitude and work ethic being questioned by many.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes consistently reiterated throughout the season that he wouldn't shy away from firing the ball to Valdes-Scantling, and he's kept his word. Valdes-Scantling has five receptions for 108 yards this postseason, which is more than he had in his last four regular-season games combined. Both of his catches against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round went for 30 or more yards and led to eventual touchdowns.
In the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, Mahomes put the ultimate trust in Valdes-Scantling. With the Chiefs needing a first down to put the game on ice, Mahomes found Valdes-Scantling down the middle of the field for a 32-yard game-sealing reception. It was an impressive grab, as the ball was a bit underthrown, causing Valdes-Scantling to have to turn around and make the catch while falling backward.
Mahomes said after the game that he let it rip to Valdes-Scantling since the Ravens had most of their attention geared toward tight end Travis Kelce and receiver Rashee Rice.
When asked after the game about all the criticism throughout the season, Valdes-Scantling told KSHB-TV's Aaron Ladd that the Chiefs know exactly what they have in the receiver room.
Speaking with FOX 4 Kansas City's Harold R. Kuntz, Valdes-Scantling also showed appreciation for his team showing trust in him in such a crucial moment.
This isn't the first time he has elevated his game in the postseason. Amidst multiple injuries to Chiefs' receivers, Valdes-Scantling caught six passes for 116 yards and a touchdown during last year's AFC Championship Game.
When he is locked in, he adds a downfield dimension to K.C.'s offense that is much needed. Hopefully, for the Chiefs, Valdes-Scantling will have a couple of more big plays in him for the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.
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