What To Watch: Chiefs vs. Packers Edition
By Ben Nielsen
Aug 23, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels (35) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Nico Johnson (57) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
NICO JOHNSON
Nico is a tight battle for one of the remaining inside linebacker positions left on the team. With Joe Mays out the Chiefs have been in search for any type of consistency there, including putting Frank Zombo in the middle to see what he can do.
Last week Nico was very good against the run and even got a hit on the quarterback when he was sent on the blitz. Going downhill isn’t much of an issue for him. What is an issue is pass coverage and going side to side. PFF graded Nico’s pass coverage last week as a -1.8, allowing two receptions in both of his targets against.
What Nico needs to do is show that he can at least hold his own against the pass so that his strengths against the run can be an asset. Green Bay is going to be a good test for him because of their depth so a good performance tonight may put him in a situation where he can hold onto his roster spot.