Chiefs HC Andy Reid pleased with Brett Veach's latest draft steal
The Kansas City Chiefs saw some of their depth tested against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs, but their players rose to the occasion. One first-year player just so happened to stand out above the rest. It's not the first time he's stood out against the Bills either. Back in Week 14, […]
The Kansas City Chiefs saw some of their depth tested against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs, but their players rose to the occasion.
One first-year player just so happened to stand out above the rest. It's not the first time he's stood out against the Bills either. Back in Week 14, Chiefs rookie DB Chamarri Conner earned his first career interception against Josh Allen.
This time around, the late-round pick was thrust into action after S Mike Edwards was ruled out of the game with a concussion. Save for one momentary lapse in judgment, the fourth-round draft pick was exceptional filling in.
"He did a heck of a job," Reid said. "We've worked him in on nickel and dime situations, but to come in and have that extended time in there and make the plays he did — except for trying to scoop-and-score, he probably should have fallen on it when it's all said and done — he sure did a nice job in there."
The rookie might have had the right idea to scoop the football and go for a touchdown in a win-or-go-home game. The execution just wasn't there. Still, as Reid suggests, it's probably just best to fall on the football and get the ball back to your offense.
Conner played 76 defensive snaps during the game, which was good for the second-most in a single game of his career next to the Week 17 game against the Chargers. He forced a fumble of his own, leading to an illegal batting penalty from the Bills. He finished with 10 total tackles, including a few big ones in key moments that helped the defense slow a potent Buffalo offense.
The rookie is clearly on his way to becoming one of many in a long line of Day 3 NFL draft steals by Chiefs GM Brett Veach. Reid took a moment to laud his partner in crime in the front office, giving him and his staff due credit for the victory.
"Yeah, listen, I'm a big Brett Veach fan," Reid said. "He's done a great job. I told him after the game. This game is him. It's a reflection of all the time and effort that he and his guys have put in. That's what it comes down to. They've given us good football players to coach."
You don't often expect much out of late-round draft picks in this league, but Veach and Reid have turned Kansas City into the home of some of the best in recent years. Knowing that the Chiefs targeted Conner and traded up to get him, well, it makes his success that much more rewarding to witness.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid continues to make his mark in NFL postseason history
Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid has earned his place as one of the best postseason coaches in NFL history.
