Nazeeh Johnson is not the scapegoat for Chiefs' defensive problems that some are making him out to be
When cornerback Jaylen Watson went down with an ankle injury in Week 7, the Kansas City Chiefs turned to Nazeeh Johnson to replace him. The Chiefs drafted Johnson in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, part of the "Fab Five" defensive backs that Kansas City drafted that year – which also included Watson, […]
When cornerback Jaylen Watson went down with an ankle injury in Week 7, the Kansas City Chiefs turned to Nazeeh Johnson to replace him.
The Chiefs drafted Johnson in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, part of the "Fab Five" defensive backs that Kansas City drafted that year – which also included Watson, Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams and Bryan Cook.
Johnson played almost exclusively on special teams during his rookie year. Expectations were high for him in 2023, but he tore his ACL during training camp and missed the entire season. Johnson bounced back in 2024 and made the 53-man roster, and when Watson got injured, he and Williams split reps replacing him.
However, Williams struggled mightily, leading to Johnson taking over as the full-time No. 2 cornerback opposite McDuffie. Offenses have naturally targeted Johnson early and often since McDuffie is an All-Pro. While Johnson hasn't played to McDuffie's, or even Watson's level, he hasn't been as bad as some believe.
Through 10 games played, Johnson has 22 tackles, one pass defensed, one sack and one quarterback pressure. Our friend Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride took to X to share that Johnson allowed just three catches for 41 yards on eight targets against the Carolina Panthers in Week 12, per Pro Football Focus.
That was the highest grade among all Chiefs defenders on the day. Going beyond the stats, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young played perhaps the best game of his career, throwing a couple of perfect passes against what was stellar coverage from Johnson. That was also the case two weeks ago against the Buffalo Bills, as quarterback Josh Allen threw some absolute dimes to receivers who Johnson, and others, were covering.
Johnson hasn't been perfect by any means, but the more concerning issue with Kansas City's defense is it's pass rush. After ranking second in sacks in both 2023 and 2022, the Chiefs are tied for the fifth-fewest in 2024 with only 21. That makes for a particularly big problem when blitzing is your identity, as is the case for the Chiefs' defense.
As for Johnson, he will likely be just fine. Keep in mind that this is his first full season, making him a rookie in a sense. Like the other "Fab Five" members did in 2022, Johnson will continue to get better. With seven games still to go, Johnson can get to where he needs to be come time when it matters the most – the playoffs.
Unheralded Chiefs receiver proves doubters wrong after game-defining play in Week 12 vs. Panthers
Kansas City Chiefs WR Justin Watson’s block should be remembered from the team’s Week 12 vs. the Carolina Panthers.
