The Unlikely Heroes Of The Resilient Kansas City Chiefs
Frankie Hammond
Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
I have a confession to make. Over the past several weeks, I’ve been ribbing Frankie Hammond’s for a lack of return instincts. Today, he made a statement and proved I’ve been wrong about his potential as a returnman. On Sunday, Hammond returned 5 punts for 100 yards. He had a 3rd quarter return of 48 yards, but it was negated when Kelcie McCray was flagged for an illegal block above the waist.
De’Anthony Thomas sat for the third straight game on Sunday. His injury situation has hamstrung the Chiefs’ punt return unit (pun intended). The third phase was such a vital part of Kansas City’s success in 2013. It’ll have to be again for the Chiefs to make a realistic run at returning to the postseason.
Dave Toub’s units are known for their plug-and-play ability, but a number of injuries have forced normal special teams personnel into starting jobs defensively. That lack of continuity was apparent on Sunday. The unit was flagged several times and had trouble containing rookie Jarvis Landry. Hammond was a lone bright spot and if Thomas’ injury lingers, he may continue to be counted upon to provide a spark on special teams.
Dee Ford
Through Kansas City’s first 2 games, the team’s No. 1 draft pick in the 2014 NFL Draft had only been on the field for a total of 9 snaps. Though, I think it’s safe to say we’ll see more of him going forward. Ford helped the front seven bring heavy pressure to Ryan Tannehill’s doorstep on Sunday. The former Auburn Tiger got two hits on Tannehill that forced wayward throws. He also made a crucial stop on a fourth down play late in the game.
Ford’s still quite raw as a prospect, but he has situational value that Andy Reid took advantage of against Miami. If nothing else, his first step proved to be too much for Ja’Wuan James on a few critical downs. Having a third pass rushing option is a bonus when you already boast one of the league’s best sack duos in Tamba Hali and Justin Houston. I wasn’t expecting a coming out party so soon for the team’s top pick, but it appears that he has a place in the Chiefs’ plan to make life uncomfortable for the quarterbacks remaining on their schedule.
Now’s your chance to weigh in on this discussion. Who are your unsung heroes on this football team? What other players made an impact in Sunday’s win over Miami? Should the Chiefs continue to give opportunities to the aforementioned players who flashed in Week 3? The floor’s now yours. Use the comment section below to speak your mind. As always, we appreciate your readership and support.
Until next time, Addicts!