7 Things That Went Right For The Chiefs On Saturday
By Ben Nielsen
Aug 23, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Ron Parker (38) is congratulated by outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
RON PARKER REBOUNDS
Kansas City is in dire need of defensive backs who can make plays when the pass rush fails to generate pressure. In the first two preseason games of the season Parker struggled mightily to contain his man and not allow big plays. Saturday was a different story for him.
Pro Football Focus gave Parker a +3.3 grade for Saturday’s game, with all 3.3 of those points coming from his coverage ability. He was target just twice, once while covering Greg Jennings and another while covering Jerome Simpson down field. Those two targets netted the Vikings a pass defended and an interception.
After the first two preseason games of the year it looked as if Parker could be cut from the team. He had been burned several times and was having trouble adjusting to the new illegal contact rules. But in the ‘most important preseason game’ Parker thrived as a backup to Marcus Cooper and Sean Smith. He even showed some flashes that his best role may be to line up as a safety.
Parker may not be the starter the Chiefs need but he at least showed he can provide valuable contributions to the team as a reserve. Kansas City will take that.