Trent McDuffie stepping into a leadership role in his second season | KCSN Daily 12.29
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Kansas City Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie has quickly become one of the players that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo leans on as a leader on the field. He missed half of his rookie campaign due to injury, but he got off to a hot start upon his return.
“He just keeps doing this (upward motion),” Spagnuolo said. “I mean, he did that last year – remember he was out for that stretch where he was hurt and then had to come in midseason. I thought that was really impressive for him to be able to do that, and he’s kind of really developing into a slow, quiet leader. You know LJ (L’Jarius Sneed) and Justin Reid are kind of the guys, but you can feel that in Trent.”
This season, McDuffie finds himself ranked within the top 30 in the NFL in receptions allowed, playing both the slot and outside cornerback positions. That versatility, McDuffie says, is the thing that helped him blossom as a leader. He knows more of his teammates’ responsibilities at a given time, which allows him to coordinate and communicate on the field.
“I definitely think I’ve started to take on a little bit more of a role out there on the defense, especially playing that nickel position,” McDuffie said. “It’s a lot on me as far as checks, as far as just communicating out there on the backend with the linebackers and stuff. On the field, in that way, but also just off the field, you know, just trying to keep that positive attitude around here and keep that culture of winning and kind of just making sure I reiterate what the coaches are talking about. So, coming along quietly for sure.”
Off the field, McDuffie is always talking up his team and teammates, even in the toughest moments that have transpired this season. He sure seems to have what it takes to be the type of glue guy that helps a team maintain a level of long-term success throughout a position group.
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Andy Reid on potentially being without L’Jarius Sneed:
The Chiefs might be without their top cornerback against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. L’Jarius Sneed has been locking down No. 1 wide receivers all season long, but a calf injury saw him sit out the practice week. While optimism remains that Sneed can suit up on Sunday afternoon, the Chiefs are preparing as if they’ll be without him.
“It’s good that they’ve all played, that’s the positive thing, they’ve all got game experience,” Chiefs HC Andy Reid said. “If he (L’Jarius Sneed) doesn’t play then we’ll go with the other group. It’s a great challenge no matter if he plays or doesn’t play, it’s a great challenge to go against some real good receivers.’
Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Josh Williams are familiar with the challenge. Sneed suffered an injury in the first defensive series against the Bengals in last season’s AFC title game and was unable to return to the game. That left the trio to of rookies to face the talented Cincy WR corps all on their own.
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Dec. 31: NFL Week 17 - Bengals at Chiefs
Jan. 7: NFL Week 18 - Chiefs at Chargers
