Chiefs rookie DL Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte learned a valuable lesson last week that could help them vs. Ravens
The rookies are learning rapidly.
Rookies Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte have given the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive line some juice this season.
The duo has combined for nine tackles, one sack, and four quarterback pressures. Norman-Lott didn’t play in Week 1, and Gillotte only played nine snaps on defense that week. If they keep up the good work, they could find themselves getting more playing time than some starters sooner than later.
Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte are learning how to defend different types of QBs
While speaking to the media on Thursday, Spagnuolo praised Norman-Lott and Gillotte for their performances against the New York Giants last week, but also pointed out that they left some sacks on the field.
“Ashton continues to get better and better,” Spagnuolo said. “Omar, it was his second game now, and after missing all that time, you could start to see him kind of climbing the ladder and getting better. He missed that one sack that I know he wants back badly. We talked extensively, and coach (Andy) Reid mentioned that the night before the game, when you play a quarterback that’s not quite as big, you expect that. Those guys, they don’t want to leave sacks on the field, but I thought both those guys really stepped up and helped us.”
The Chiefs have faced two big and strong QBs in Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts, and a smaller, more elusive one in Russell Wilson. On Sunday they will face the Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson, who is as fast and agile than any other QB in NFL history.
Playing against Wilson may have helped Norman-Lott and Gillotte be more prepared for Jackson. They’ll have to be sharp in their technique, and disciplined in their pursuit of him. The Chiefs will need to try to collapse the pocket quickly on Jackson before he can cut loose.