Kansas City Chiefs made big takeaways count last season. This year’s goal: more of them
As difficult as it is to improve on a Super Bowl championship season, Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie suggests a stat-sheet boost that will benefit the team and himself.
A year ago, the Chiefs tied for 20th in the NFL in takeaways with 20. They logged 11 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries.
Those numbers improved in the playoffs, when the Chiefs held a 5-1 turnover edge over three opponents. Nick Bolton’s fumble return for a touchdown was a critical moment in their Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
But entering the 2023 season, McDuffie said more ball-hawking should be a priority.
“A big thing for us is takeaways,” McDuffie siad. “We’ve got guys who can make plays, who can cover, play the zone, blitz the quarterback. But a big thing for us is getting the ball back.”
Again, the Chiefs turned in some memorable takeaways in 2022. Jaylen Watson’s 99-yard pick-six against the Los Angeles Chargers flipped the script in the Chiefs’ home opener. Willie Gay also took an interception back for a touchdown against the Broncos.
But the Chiefs are looking for more, and McDuffie seeks his first NFL interception. He recorded two in 27 games over three seasons at the University of Washington.
“I dropped a few last year so I definitely have to come back and make up for it this year,” McDuffie said.
He also missed six games after suffering a hamstring injury in the Chiefs’ opening game at the Arizona Cardinals.
McDuffie was the Chiefs’ top draft pick last year. They traded with the New England Patriots to move up eight spots and select McDuffie 21st overall. From a 10-person draft class heavy on defensivee backs, he was the lone rookie starter in Kansas City’s season opener.
Once he returned from the injury, McDuffle often lined up as a slot cornerback and will play anywhere defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo assigns.
“Wherever you need me,” McDuffie said. “I just want to be out there and be able to play for this team and be a good teammate.”
He’s off to a good start in training camp and has developed something of a rivalry with Patrick Mahomes and his wide receiver teammates. On Monday, Mahomes floated a perfect pass to rookie Rashee Rice just over McDuffie’s fingertips. On Tuesday, McDuffie turned in a solid play to break up a pass.
“Yesterday I got one in; today he got his hands on one and almost got an interception,” Mahomes said. “We test each other. Some days that’s me making throws. Some days that’s them making plays.”
There’s a final frontier for McDuffie: getting his hands on a ball and pulling it down.
“He’s always in the right spot. He’s a smart player,” Mahomes said. “Now the next step in the evolution for him is just making the interception.”