Chiefs' Trent McDuffie is PFF's highest-graded cornerback through Week 3
Kansas City Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie would have been in the conversation for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, but the majority of his rookie campaign was robbed from him. Now, he's determined to make his impact felt alongside the rest of his "hungry" teammates during the 2023 NFL season. "Man, missing half the season […]
Kansas City Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie would have been in the conversation for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, but the majority of his rookie campaign was robbed from him. Now, he's determined to make his impact felt alongside the rest of his "hungry" teammates during the 2023 NFL season.
"Man, missing half the season last year definitely gave me a chip (on my shoulder) coming into this year," McDuffie told reporters after Week 3. "Just in terms of the impact that I can have in this defense. To be able to have Coach (Steve Spagnuolo) trust me on the field, not only to just know my assignment, but he has this thing called 'My job plus.' And you know, to go out there and make plays and make an impact on the game is something I'm really focused on this year."
Through three weeks, the impact he is so eager to make is already being quantified by the folks over at Pro Football Focus.
McDuffie's 90.6 overall grade through three weeks of play is the highest among all NFL cornerbacks this season. That grade is heavily influenced by his 89.9 coverage grade, which is also the highest mark in the league. The 23-year-old has allowed just eight receptions on 13 targets, amounting to 64 total yards.
He doesn't have any interceptions and only has one pass defended on the season, but McDuffie is still managing to take the ball away at a high rate. His two forced fumbles on the season are tied with seven other players for the most in the NFL thus far.
Really if there is any downside to his game this season, it's the fact that he's missed three tackles, averaging a missed tackle per game. However, the tackles he does make seem to make up for it all. His seven defensive stops are tied for the third-most among cornerbacks.
What's abundantly clear is that McDuffie's determination to prove himself after a truncated rookie season has been a surefire boon to the defense so far. He's establishing himself as one of the league's best cover corners and by season's end it could be known by all.
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