Best Cornerback In The NFL, Brandon Flowers, May Miss Revenge Game Against The Chiefs

Brandon Flowers may have to wait a little longer before exacting revenge on the Chiefs.

San Diego’s cornerback and former Chief has yet to practice this week due to a groin injury which has left his status for Sunday in doubt. The result could mean good things for the Chiefs chances to pull off the upset on Sunday afternoon.

Flowers, if you remember, stated part of the reason why he signed with the Chargers was to exact revenge on the Chiefs for letting him go in June. Back in the summer he said he expected the possibility the Chiefs may let him go but thought he was in the clear after the NFL draft had completed. A month later he was let go.

Here’s what Flowers said on the NFL Network:

"“The timing that they did it, it kind of hit me. So that’s why I stayed in the division. I want to play the Chiefs again, let them know how I felt about it.”"

Remember, this is the same interview in which Flowers suggested he was the best cornerback in the NFL. At the time Flowers was coming off his worst season as a professional but there was reason to believe that nagging injuries and a new scheme had much to do with that failure. In the time he’s played in San Diego he has been nothing short of excellent.

Pro Football Focus ranks Flowers as the best graded cornerback in the NFL through six weeks, almost full four points ahead of the next highest graded cornerback. He’s only allowed 17 of 30 targets to end in a reception and has picked off two passes while defending two more.

It should be noted, however, that the Chargers have had a nice run of crappy quarterbacks that they’ve faced over the last month. The list of quarterbacks: E.J. Manuel, Chad Henne, Geno Smith, and Derek Carr. Not necessarily murderer’s row. It should also be noted that Flowers missed the Chargers’ win over the Seattle Seahawks so he was not challenged by Russell Wilson.

Should Flowers not be able to go then Jason Verrett will take over the duties of covering Dwayne Bowe. Varrett has also had a fine start to the season, ranking third in PFF’s cornerback ratings. This may mean more good things for the Chiefs receiver targets outside of Bowe than it does for Bowe himself.

Since everyone’s role may have to move up a spot, it could open up some excellent opportunities for Travis Kelce or De’Anthony Thomas to get matched up on a linebacker or reserve defensive back. Throw in Jamaal Charles’ inclusion in the passing game and the Chargers could be stretched thin when Kansas City decides to pass.

So while it would be nice to put Flowers in his place a little bit, it may be in the Chiefs’ best interest if Flowers is sidelined by his groin injury. Fingers crossed.