For Chiefs’ Sneed, drawing more flags comes with the territory (covering best NFL WRs)
These days, L’Jaruis Sneed’s pre-game routine includes a conversation with officials.
“The refs, they’ve got my name written down,” Sneed said. “They tell me before the games, ‘I’m watching you, I’m watching you.’”
That sort of scrutiny comes with the territory for the league’s more aggressive cornerbacks, Sneed said. And he has undoubtedly become one of the NFL’s best at his position.
Sneed’s often assigned to the opponent’s top wide receiver. And this season he’s largely winning those battles.
In Monday’s game against Philadelphia, Sneed was assigned to A.J. Brown and held the Eagles star to one reception for eight yards. In the Chiefs’ previous game, Sneed’s assignment was none other than former Chiefs superstar Tyreek Hill — and Sneed held the speedster to 62 receiving yards.
Sneed’s next task: Raiders standout Davante Adams.
“L.J. is ready to take on anybody,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said. “Doesn’t matter who it is. We put him on him and he holds his own. We’re very lucky to have him here.”
Sneed, in his fourth season, and fellow cornerback Trent McDuffie, in his second, have formed an exceptional duo. They are pillars of a defense that ranks sixth in passing yards and touchdowns allowed.
Sneed leads the Chiefs with two interceptions. McDuffie has two sacks, both recorded last week against the Eagles, and leads the NFL with five forced fumbles.
“There’s nobody better than what those two are doing,” Reid said.
Sneed calls leading all NFL defensive players in penalties the cost of being a physical cornerback. He’s been flagged 13 times, tied for the league high with right tackle and teammate Jawaan Taylor.
Sneed has been penalized five times for pass interference, five times for holding, twice for illegal use of hands and once for illegal contact.
He has the officials’ attention.
“Each week they’re watching me,” Sneed said. “Ever since that Minnesota game, they’ve been watching me.”
That day in Minneapolis, Sneed and the Chiefs caught a break. A penalty flag was throw after a fourth-down incompletion from Kirk Cousins to Jordan Addison; Sneed, who was in coverage on the play, took off his helmet to argue the call.
Sneed wasn’t flagged for taking off his helmet, a no-no in the NFL, and the pass interference flag was picked up, giving the ball back to the Chiefs. The NFL fined Sneed $13,649 for unsportsmanlike conduct for removing his helmet.
“I definitely learned from that, just not take my helmet off,” he said.
This story was originally published November 24, 2023 at 3:35 PM.