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Kansas City Chiefs players who need to step up in NFL playoffs

By Jordan Mannix

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 2: Frank Clark #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 2, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-20. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 2: Frank Clark #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 2, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-20. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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Chiefs, Juan Thornhill
ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 19: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Buffalo Bills can’t come up with the reception against Juan Thornhill #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Bills Stadium on October 19, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

Juan Thornhill

Juan Thornhill had what appeared to be a breakout campaign in 2019. It was only his rookie season, but he showcased speed and a ball hawking ability that the Chiefs had been missing at the free safety position since Eric Berry was healthy. Nabbing him in the late second round of the 2019 NFL Draft seemed like a steal.

Sadly, Thornhill suffered a season-ending injury in the final game of the season and was unable to join the team in their historic playoff run. Optimism was high though that he’d make a full return to his nearly Pro Bowl-caliber level of play.

Thornhill has had a solid season in 2020, but you can definitely tell he hasn’t completely regained his elite athleticism. He’s shown flashes of the old Thornhill, but you can tell from time to time that his unique agility hasn’t quite returned.

The Chiefs weighted defensive DVOA places them near the bottom of the league in recent games at 26th. They haven’t possessed the same “swagger” as they did last season, though the team hasn’t been majorly affected finishing with the best record in franchise history.

Thornhill’s speed at the backend of this defense has been sorely missed in 2020. If he can achieve a modicum of his performance from 2019 in the 2020 playoffs, the defense as a whole should make a considerable jump.

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