Jaylen Watson is unlikely hero for KC Chiefs

When the KC Chiefs needed a stop on defense the most, rookie cornerback Jaylen Watson comes through with a huge interception returned for a touchdown.

When the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers were tied at 17 early in the fourth quarter, the Chargers were going for a go-ahead touchdown at the goal line. The Chiefs needed a break and they got definitely it. Rookie cornerback Jaylen Watson came through with a gigantic interception of Justin Herbert, which he returned for a touchdown.

Chargers’ tight end Gerald Everett was tired and did not give the best effort when Herbert threw him the ball. The pass was caught, but not by Everett. Instead, a seventh-round rookie named Jaylen Watson jumped the route and returned the ball for a Kansas City Chiefs touchdown to give them a 24-17 lead.

When fellow rookie cornerback Trent McDuffie was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, the Chiefs needed to find somebody to replace him. Some thought that rookie Joshua Williams would be that guy, but it turns out that Jaylen Watson was the next man up.

It’s rare that a rookie cornerback drafted in the seventh round sees this much playing early in his career but he’s defied the odds. Watson also came in for McDuffie last Sunday and performed very well.

He more than earned the snaps given to him by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and proved the coach correct by potentially saving the game for the Chiefs in a must-win game.