L’Jarius Sneed, Clyde Edwards-Helaire lead Chiefs rookie contributions

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens in a battle for AFC West supremacy on Monday night, and once again, the rookies were excellent.

In what was billed as a potential “Game of the Year” candidate, “a preview of the AFC Championship Game”, and a “Battle of the Heavyweights“, the Kansas City Chiefs made the Baltimore Ravens look like they were fighting up a few weight classes.

The Chiefs dominated the contest on both sides of the ball, and after leading 27-10 at halftime coasted through the second half to victory, ultimately winning 34-20. The defending Super Bowl Champions had many standouts in the contest which included veteran receivers Sammy Watkins, Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce on offense; and Chris Jones, Frank Clark and Tyrann Mathieu on the defense.

But it was not just the veterans who showed up and showed out on Monday night – Kansas City’s rookies also continue their excellent play which they’d demonstrated in the season’s first two contests.

Let’s take a look at what the Chiefs’ rookies did in their much anticipated showdown with the Ravens.

Inactives

BoPete Keyes

BoPete Keyes was inactive once again (Week 1 being the other) against the Ravens. Kansas City gave up a 2021 6th round pick to select the cornerback in the seventh round of the draft. Perhaps with a continuously depleted cornerback room, Keyes will see his first official snaps on Sunday against New England?

Yasir Durant

Like Keyes, Durant has yet to see game action this season. As an undrafted rookie free agent behind many veterans on the interior offensive line, this is not much of a surprise. The Chiefs had a late scratch Monday of guard Andrew Wylie who was rushed to the hospital. If he misses Sunday’s game, Durant could be active for the first time in his young career.

Lucas Niang (COVID)

Third round pick Lucas Niang opted out of the season before it began due to COVID concerns.