Kansas City Chiefs: Reviewing the Rookies
Oct 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) celebrates after breaking up a pass against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Bears won 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
With the Kansas City Chiefs’ on their bye week, we can take a little breather and review the season so far. I think it’s safe to say that the season has been disappointing. Preseason predictions ranged from the Chiefs competing for the Super Bowl to them finishing last in the AFC West, and the team has only added to the unpredictability with recent performances.
Losing to the Chicago Bears at home is unacceptable, and yet blowing the Lions and beating the Steelers are two very good results and performances. Where these Chiefs rank is very unclear, but in this article, I want to focus on the rookies that general manager John Dorsey has drafted. First up, 1st round rookie Marcus Peters.
Marcus Peters
Before Peters becomes Jesus, it’s important to temper expectations. While Peters has looked like a world-beater from Week 1, he has still done rookie things. Peters was beat deep on a crucial third down in the Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, and has struggled when played in off-coverage. However, these mistakes and issues must also be combined with purely miraculous play.
Peters’ anticipation and reading of the game is unfathomable for a rookie. He makes excellent breaks, as evidenced by his three interceptions this season, including an interception on his first NFL snap and a pick-six of future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. The former University of Washington corner is fearless, plays with great confidence and attitude and looks as though he is going to be a star for years to come. Dorsey has struggled with first round picks so far, with Eric Fisher struggling to play well and Dee Ford struggling to play period.
However, he may well have hit a home run with Peters, and it will be exciting to watch him in a Chiefs’ jersey for years to come.
Next: Morse and Conley