Chiefs Film Room: It’s a pick party!
By Tarek Mavani
Cause: DJ’s IQ > Fitzpatrick’s IQ
Interception #2
This is probably my favorite pick of the six because it highlights everything DJ brings to the table. The Chiefs are showing single-high man coverage once again. However, at the snap of the ball the linebackers drop into coverage and this is where we witness peak DJ savvy.
At the snap, DJ takes a couple steps towards the flat as if he has responsibility for the running back. However, Hali is actually in man coverage on the back so this is DJ purely laying the bait for Fitz. Fitz happily takes said bait and believes he has the slot receiver in one-on-one coverage. While Fitzpatrick is getting ready to deliver the ball, DJ slides back into his proper zone in the middle of the field, right underneath the slot receiver. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Interception #4
Cause: Ryan “Pay Me My Money” Fitzpatrick
It seems like the Chiefs are giving more and more responsibility to Steven Nelson as the weeks go on. On this play, he’s lined up outside against Brandon Marshall at the top of your screen, with Peters in the slot. Sure, Marshall wasn’t 100% coming into the game, but it’s still a vote of confidence by Sutter in my eyes.
Regardless of who was in coverage on this play, Fitzpatrick did his absolute best to ensure they didn’t give up a catch. You see, the Jets receivers executed this pick-play fairly well and Marshall gets pretty open as a result. A good-to-average QB sees the defender get caught up in the pick, and throws the ball with some anticipation at the very least. Fitzpatrick, especially on this day, was not a remotely good or average QB. Not only does he deliver this ball late, allowing Nelson enough time to recover back to Marshall, he sails it in a way that would make Tim Tebow proud!
When you force eight turnovers in a single game, there’s a good chance a couple are of the gift-wrapped variety. Throw in the fact it’s Fitzpatrick under center, and you have Christmas in September.