Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
At the beginning of the 2013 Kansas City Chiefs season, the expectations were high. With the arrival of new staff members, players, and of course new head coach Andy Reid, change was on the horizon.
Well nine weeks have come and gone in the NFL and we have learned one thing: Don’t underestimate the Chiefs.
With their best start since 2003, this Chiefs squad is 9-0 and alone in first place atop the AFC West.
What has made Kansas City so special?
So far, it’s obviously the defense. Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton’s hard hitting defense leads the NFL in several categories including sacks, and defensive scores. A main reason they have been so effective at shutting down opposing teams is the work of the Chiefs secondary.
Since there’s not much else to do during the bye week, let’s hand out grades to that secondary unit.
Husain Abdullah, FS
Husain Abdullah was a free agent acquisition formerly with the Minnesota Vikings. The free safety on the year has recorded 11 solo tackles, half a sack, and one interception that he returned 44 yards for a touchdown.
Mid-Season Grade = A
Eric Berry, SS
Coming off of an ACL tear we just barely saw him come back to life at the end of the 2012 season. So far this year, he has once again returned as the playmaker the Chiefs knew he was when they drafted this talented safety. Total stats for 2013: 34 tackles, one and a half sacks, and one interception that he returned for a score for 38 yards.
Mid-Season Grade = A
Sanders Commings, CB
Unfortunately, this season we have set to see Sanders play since he was on IR with a broken collarbone. However, just this week he was activated and will add another big presence in the secondary.
Mid-Season Grade = I
Marcus Cooper, CB
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Thank you San Francisco. Thank you very much. Being cut from a team has to stink, but what stinks more is when that teams sees the player they let go blossom and succeed. Marcus Cooper has been a shock to the Chiefs Kingdom. Cooper has been pushed to the limit by receivers and has left them wondering : “Who is this kid?” Big things are in store for this young player, including a possible Pro-Bowl (*cough vote for him) Stats: 16 solo tackles, two interceptions.
Mid-Season Grade = A+
Quintin Demps, SS
Coming over from the Texans, Demps has quickly become the favorite on the kickoff team. Averaging 29 yards on kickoffs, special teams would not be the same without him. He also leads the team in interceptions with three, and recorded 10 solo tackles.
Mid-Season Grade = A+
Brandon Flowers, CB
Flowers is the heart of the Chiefs secondary and an underrated player who finally got his due when he was sent to the Pro-Bowl last year. Despite some injuries this year, he has still notched 40 tackles, one sack, and one interception. With Denver coming up twice, you can be sure Flowers will not go down without a fight.
Mid-Season Grade = A
Kendrick Lewis, FS
Lewis has had a good year, though as with every person on this list, he has got burned once or twice when defending. He is still a strong player when called upon, recording 25 tackles and one interception.
Mid-Season Grade = B
Ron Parker, CB
A name in the secondary that has not been so widely known, he only has six tackles and one recorded sack. With a defensive backfield as jam-packed with talent as the Chiefs have, some are bound to go unnoticed. Parker is a solid player, and when called up, he helps fortify the secondary.
Mid-Season Grade = B
Dunta Robinson, CB
John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Robinson was brought in from the Falcons during the offseason and has helped the Chiefs in passing situations. Though with newcomer Cooper stepping up, his time has been slightly limited. Stats: Six solo tackles.
Mid-Season Grade = B
Sean Smith, CB
Smith, who was formerly with the Dolphins, made a huge impact on the game last Sunday when he intercepted a pass and returned it 100 yards, or 101 depending on who you’re asking. His stats mid-way through are 24 solo tackles and two interceptions.
Mid-Season Grade = A
Who do you think is the best in the Chiefs secondary? Do you agree with the grades? Sound off below!