KC Chiefs vs. Ravens: Defensive thoughts on Chris Jones, Tyrann Mathieu and more

Tyrann Mathieu and thoughts at safety

It did not take long for Tyrann Mathieu to make an impact on his return from the Reserve/COVID-19 list. With less than a minute into the game, the 29-year-old safety intercepted Lamar Jackson for a 34-yard touchdown. Mathieu would pick off Jackson again late in the first quarter when the Ravens’ quarterback threw a questionable ball into double coverage in Kansas City’s end zone.

Mathieu was spotted receiving oxygen on the sideline during the game, but still managed to play on 100% of the defensive snaps. The return of Mathieu was monumental for the Chiefs, but there was another storyline within the safety position.

What is the deal with Juan Thornhill? He only played 11 snaps on Sunday night. Daniel Sorensen makes plays, but Thornhill could have been used in the back end on coverage in certain situations. Sorensen is too slow to keep up with wide receivers. Thornhill has shown he can make timely plays, and the combination of him and Mathieu has proven in the past that the two can co-exist and be effective.

Against the Browns in Week 1, Thornhill was exceptional. The 25-year-old safety seemed comfortable in the defensive scheme, and made game-changing plays, including a pass breakup against Anthony Schwartz on a key third-down play. It is puzzling why Sorensen continues to see way more playing time than Thornhill.