Nick Bolton, KC Chiefs hope return of Gay can aid defense that’s been ‘a little bleedy’
There was no easing into the NFL for linebacker Nick Bolton.
When projected starter Willie Gay Jr. suffered a turf toe injury in the Chiefs’ preseason finale, and was subsequently placed on the league’s injured reserve list, the spotlight landed squarely on Bolton, the rookie from Mizzou.
And Bolton has shined under pressure, starting all four of the Chiefs regular-season games and playing no fewer than 50% of their defensive snaps in each and every one.
Now, Gay is back and could be ready to play Sunday night against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium.
Make no mistake, Bolton is ready for his teammate to join him in the action Sunday. Asked what what a healthy Gay could bring to the Chiefs, Bolton painted the picture of a complete player.
“Speed, violence, powerful ... everything you need from a linebacker position, he can do it,” Bolton said. “I watched him when I was in college. I know what he brings to the table.”
Gay, a second-year pro from Mississippi State, is set to rejoin a defense that has struggled through four games. The Chiefs rank 31st in total defense and scoring defense, surrendering an average of 31.3 points per game.
They gave up 30 points and 461 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles last weekend in a game in which neither team punted. In what qualifies as a success, though, the Chiefs held firm in the red zone for the first time this season.
With their backs against the wall, the Chiefs force the Eagles to settle for three red zone field goals.
“It was a little bleedy,” defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said of the effort. “We don’t ever want to be ‘bend but don’t break,’ but it felt like that.”
Perhaps the return of Gay can keep the Chiefs trending the right direction in the category of red zone defense. The Chiefs also could see the return of cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Rashard Fenton Sunday evening, as well as defensive end Frank Clark.
None of those three played last weekend, but all three have practiced this week.