Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo has high praise for two rookie defenders that had big performances vs. Texans
One thing the Kansas City Chiefs have done really well since Steve Spagnuolo became the defensive coordinator in 2019 is develop defensive backs. Whether they're cornerbacks or safeties, Spagnuolo and his defensive assistants have helped produce plenty of them. Let's take a look at some of the names that are not only enjoying great NFL […]
One thing the Kansas City Chiefs have done really well since Steve Spagnuolo became the defensive coordinator in 2019 is develop defensive backs.
Whether they're cornerbacks or safeties, Spagnuolo and his defensive assistants have helped produce plenty of them. Let's take a look at some of the names that are not only enjoying great NFL careers, but had excellent success in Spagnuolo's scheme.
- Charvarius Ward
- Kendall Fuller
- Tyrann Mathieu
- L'Jarius Sneed
- Justin Reid
- Trent McDuffie
- Bryan Cook
- Jaylen Watson
Spagnuolo has followed a formula with many of his defensive backs, bringing them along slowly early in their rookie season. He places them in specific situations to have success, such as blitzing or dropping back in coverage on third-and-long. They also play plenty of special teams, which helps accustom them with the speed of the game and tackling.
Spagnuolo steadily increases their play on defense as the year unfolds. By the end of regular season and entering the playoffs, the young defensive backs are comfortable and flying around making plays. That is what's happening in 2024 with safety Jaden Hicks and cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace, both of whom had big performances during the Chiefs' 27-19 win over the Houston Texans on Saturday.
Here's what Spagnuolo had to say about Hicks' expanded role on defense over the past few weeks.
"I think his growth process and [learning] curve has been really what we expected and really what we hoped for," Spagnuolo said. "I think he has just gotten better and better and better. I think he gets more and more confident every week. When we go through these walk throughs and we're sitting there and it's more mental, he is into every snap, whether it's a walk through its regular practice rep, He's anticipating things pre-snap. He's doing all those things that you want your safeties to do, from a mental standpoint, that's encouraging. And he's gone out there and made a couple plays on the ball. So that's helpful."
Spagnuolo also commented on Roland-Wallace's performance against the Texans.
"I thought he did a great job," Spagnuolo said. "He's one of those guys that I've been real hopeful for all season long. You know, the more reps he gets, the better he gets. And he's a very smart, intelligent football player with some instincts. You know, he's played special teams for Dave [Toub]. I'm really happy for him. He'll probably tell you that he made one key mistake that we could fix, because that's all he could think about at the end of the game. And I told him, look, think about the other good plays that you made, because he played about 30 plays for us. And I thought he did a solid job going in there and filling in for Chamarri [Conner]."
Hicks has snagged an interception in each of his last two games and three total on the season. He also has five total tackles during the last two weeks, one for loss. Hicks is proving to be a difference maker as the Chiefs badly needed someone to step up and force turnovers.
As for Roland-Wallace, he recorded three tackles against the Texans on Saturday, one for loss. Beyond the stats, Roland-Wallace had sticky coverage and was near or in the pile on several tackles throughout the game. He recorded six tackles and a forced fumble against the Browns two weeks ago.
It's safe to say that both Hicks and Roland-Wallace have provided a spark within the Chiefs' secondary. As we enter the stretch run, they will be treated as veterans as they carve out important roles within the defensive. Perhaps in a couple of years they will join the list of names who have been success stories for Spagnuolo.
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