5 convincing reasons to believe the Chiefs defense is Super Bowl-ready
2. L'Jarius Sneed erases elite wide receivers
L'Jarius Sneed has been one of the top cornerbacks in all the NFL this season, despite what Pro Bowl and All-Pro voters might tell you. He is one of the most physical corners in the entire NFL and his brand of football has proven to be highly successful against the top wide receivers in all the NFL.
Here's just the latest example from Saturday's game of Sneed's physical nature making life miserable for a star wide receiver.
That’s a diabolical Jam on Tyreek Hill pic.twitter.com/tlly7MwsjC
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) January 14, 2024
It wasn't just that play either. The Dolphins' high-flying offense may have put up huge passing numbers this season, but in large part thanks to Sneed's play, their top targets weren't able to get much of anything going against the Chiefs in either matchup.
the Chiefs played the high powered Dolphins offense twice this year
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 14, 2024
L'Jarius Sneed allowed only ONE catch total to Tyreek Hill & Jaylen Waddle combined across both matchups, per @NextGenStats
absolute stud
It wasn't just the Dolphins' top wideouts who struggled against Sneed. Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, and AJ Brown are all viewed among the absolute best at their position in the NFL and none of them were able to have success against Sneed this season.
In a league where the passing game is such a huge part of success, the ability to shut down the opposing team's top target is a massive win for a defense. Sneed has arguably been the best in the NFL at doing so this season and that's why he belongs near the top of the list of reasons to believe in this defense carrying the Chiefs to a Super Bowl.
He's not the only corner on this list though.