Even after injuries, the KC Chiefs’ young defensive backs are thriving. Here’s how
No team seems to embrace the next-man-up mentality quite like the Chiefs. It’s happened at wide receiver, and now the secondary is being tested.
Down went cornerback Jaylen Watson with an ankle injury in Sunday’s victory at the San Francisco 49ers. How did the Chiefs respond? Rookies Chris Roland-Wallace and Jaden Hicks came up with interceptions that stiff-armed Niners drives in the second half.
The second one, by Hicks, came in the end zone after the 49ers had reached the 5. The fourth-round pick from Washington State was in the right place to make the pick after defensive end George Karlaftis harassed Brock Purdy into an off-balance throw.
Hicks made the play even though he logged only seven defensive snaps this season. To starting safety Justin Reid, who nabbed the first of the Chiefs’ three interceptions, the interceptions by the youngsters were a product of the team’s approach and mindset.
“We have a team that truly prepares the next man,” Reid said. “We help the next man. We’re all in.”
Reid said the defense — both as a whole and in position groups — conducts daily conversations about these scenarios. Reserves are just as engaged as the regulars.
“We take time after practice, we meet up on our own time, we talk coverage,” Reid said. “And it works.”
Hicks wasn’t overwhelmed by the moment. He saw Purdy’s eyes gazing at his target. Hicks made an adjustment mid-throw and was in better position to make the catch than intended receiver Chris Conley.
“It was awesome,” Hicks said. “And seeing all the guys hype after, that’s a good feeling.”
On his interception, Roland-Wallace took advantage of what appeared to be a miscommunication between Purdy and wide receiver Ronnie Bell. Purdy sailed a pass over Bell, who appeared to break off the route too soon or too flat.
In a better position to make the catch was Roland-Wallace, but the grab wasn’t the bigger challenge. He had to toe-tap to keep his feet in bounds. The interception swung momentum back to the Chiefs after the 49ers had closed to 14-12 and driven to the KC side.
Roland-Wallace, after a college career at Arizona and Southern California, came to the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. He was one of the surprise additions to the team’s 53-man roster.
Andy Reid said Roland-Wallace is “a real smart kid” who “picks things up. ... He’s got a great feel for the game. Hat goes off to Brett Veach for finding him.”
Roland-Wallace played one defensive snap entering Sunday’s game. He got 16 on Sunday and could see more, along with players like Nazeeh Johnson and Joshua Williams, in Watson’s absence.
“Even though it’s just one snap, it doesn’t show how much work he’s really put in,” safety Bryan Cook said of Roland-Wallace. “He’s always putting the work in and soaking up the information. ... Definitely a great addition.”