Chiefs have success thanks to the new guys

Marcus Peters

Unlike West and Ware, Peters was not an under-the-radar player coming out the draft. No, Peters was K.C.’s first-round selection last year and had the spotlight on him from the beginning. And boy did he step up to the position!

He started the year with interceptions in both of his first two NFL games, including a pick-six of Peyton Manning in primetime. If there was ever a way for a rookie corner to be sure he made an entrance, that was it.

The Chiefs had a total of six defensive touchdowns on the season, and Peters accounted for two of them.

In his rookie year, Peters came in fourth on the team in tackles with 60, behind only Derrick Johnson, Ron Parker, and Eric Berry. He also acquired 26 passes defended, eight interceptions for 280 yards, and a forced fumble. Those numbers were enough to get him ranked first in the NFL in interceptions, interception return yards, and defensive touchdowns.

For his excellent performance throughout this year, Peters is one of five Chiefs elected to go to this year’s Pro Bowl and was named Rookie of the Year by the Professional Football Writers of America.

After having come under fire for previous early draft selections, head coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey seem to have found a winner in Peters.

Next: Men on the perimeter