Five most disappointing KC Chiefs players in 2022

1. Justin Reid and Juan Thornhill, Safety

After signing Justin Reid to a significant free-agent contract and Juan Thornhill predicting an all-pro season for himself, it’s safe to say that the Kansas City Chiefs starting safety duo has fallen short of expectations.

Both Reid and Thornhill have allowed a 100+ passer rating when targeted in coverage this season and have combined for only one interception so far this season. Both players have also had issues tackling this season, especially Justin Reid, and both have a missed tackle rate of more than 16%.

Justin Reid has gotten in trouble over the last few sacks for talking a bit too much smack, although he has been solid over the past three games. I was lukewarm on the Reid signing this past March as the contract wasn’t ludicrous, but he hadn’t been a great player since at least 2019. He’s been better this year compared to his last two years in Houston, but he still hasn’t lived up to the contract.

Juan Thornhill has had some positive moments but still has yet to take the much-anticipated step forward. He was fantastic against the Cardinals and 49ers in Weeks 1 and 7, respectively, but he has been below average in all other games. He could be in his last season in Kansas City, which is a shame since he had so much promise after his solid rookie year in 2019.

Given the contract and predictions surrounding these two players, they have not met expectations or even come close to doing so. With all of the youth at the cornerback position and the uncertainty of the defensive line, it was expected that the safety group would step up and be a reliable position for the defense. That has not been the case, as the safeties have arguably been worse than the cornerbacks, a position that is playing three rookies on a consistent basis. I’m rooting for both guys to improve, but we have to call a spade a spade.