When you think of the best players on the Kansas City Chiefs' defense, you probably start with defensive tackle Chris Jones, cornerback Trent McDuffie and linebacker Nick Bolton. While you would be correct in that assessment, there's a player who is flying under the radar that has been a vital part of its success - cornerback Jaylen Watson.
One of the biggest questions the Chiefs faced entering training camp was who would step up at cornerback following the departure of L'Jarius Sneed. Watson began camp on the physically unable to perform list after having offseason surgery on his torn labrum. He returned towards the end of camp, but it took him a while to shake off the rust and get back into form.
However, he put it all together just in time. Watson has 29 tackles, six passes defensed and is allowing a lowly 26.7 completion percentage to quarterbacks this season per Pro Football Focus.
Watson's performance hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates. While speaking to the media on Thursday, safety Justin Reid acknowledged the impact that Watson has had for Kansas City's defense and that he expects him to continue to play at a high level throughout the rest of the year.
"(He's been) huge, you know?" Reid said. "That was the big question mark coming into this year, was who was going to step up? And Jalen absolutely has stepped up and been consistent. He has had put together a nice couple of weeks here. And you know what, that's great, and you know, we're proud of what he's done. But, now it's about what are you going to do this week? What are you going to do next week? It's about how are you going to continue to get better and continue to elevate. So, we're looking forward to him continuing to do that."
With the emergence of Watson, the Chiefs' secondary is really shaping up nicely. McDuffie is one of the top cornerbacks in the league and is having another All-Pro caliber season. Second-year nickelback Chamarri Conner is a versatile weapon who having an excellent year, as is third-year CB Nazeeh Johnson off the bench.
K.C. also has a deep and talented safety group featuring Reid, Bryan Cook and Jaden Hicks. All of the aforementioned defensive backs besides Reid are still playing on their rookie deals, which has played a big role in the Chiefs being able to lock up the likes of Chris Jones, center Creed Humphrey, defensive end Mike Danna and tight end Noah Gray.
However, the Chiefs will soon have to make decisions on what members of the secondary will get second contracts. McDuffie will presumably be their top priority, and Reid could be the odd man out given all the young talent playing behind him.
As for Watson, who's under contract through the 2025 season, he's going to make a strong case to be retained if he keeps playing at his current level. He and McDuffie are quickly becoming one of the best CB tandems in the NFL.
Related: Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones discusses what his priorities are for the rest of the 2024 season
Local News
Comments / 0