The Chiefs’ defense had a miserable showing in Week 1. Kansas City’s trip to Brazil was forgettable, especially on defense. Justin Herbert had one of his best games as a pro in that outing. However, the Chiefs certainly made it easier for him that night. But in the last two weeks, Kansas City’s defense has bounced back in a major way. The cornerback room has stood out against some of the league’s most dynamic wide receivers.
The Chiefs kept Philadelphia’s amazing duo in check for most of the day in Week 2. Other than one highly lobbed prayer that DeVonta Smith came down with, he and A.J. Brown were unable to impose their will. Brown made five grabs but was limited to just 27 receiving yards and essentially no room after the catch. In the end, Smith had over half of his 53 yards on that 28-yard soft shot.
Then in Week 3, the Chiefs absolutely blanketed the electric Malik Nabers. The Chiefs placed extra eyes and attention on Nabers throughout Sunday night. He finished with just two catches on seven targets for only 13 receiving yards. Any patented deep shot that Russell Wilson attempted to Nabers was shut down. That included Jaylen Watson’s interception in the end zone.
The Chiefs cornerbacks are an impressive and effective group in 2025.
Beyond Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson had a single grab on four targets. Robinson and Nabers each had huge days the previous week against the Dallas Cowboys. The two combined for 17 receptions, 309 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns in Big D. But against the Chiefs, Robinson and Nabers combined for roughly a sixth of that production with no scores.
Trent McDuffie has earned the status of an elite cornerback for a couple of years now. His work against the Eagles, specifically with physicality and tackling, stood out. He can do so much as an all-around player at cornerback in multiple areas of the field. Not all cornerbacks can say the same.
Watson has steadily been able to hold his own against athletic pass catchers. Despite no real strength in his movement skills, Watson has always had a great feel for timing, ball skills, and poise against shifty, fast receivers.
Kansas City also has to be pleased with the performances of rookie Nohl Williams and the versatile Chris Roland-Wallace so far. Williams did get a penalty against the Giants, but in the last two games he has stood tall and not backed down against experienced veterans. His stickiness in man coverage is exactly what the Chiefs were hoping to get from him.
Finally, Roland-Wallace shows he can offer a stout nose for the football. He had an interception against the Giants. CRW is certainly a unique weapon for a defensive coordinator like Steve Spagnuolo.
The Chiefs have many other stiff tests coming up against opposing pass offenses. The Ravens, Jaguars, and Lions all offer a rare blend of size and quickness in their pass-catching rooms over the next few weeks. Kansas City knows it can trust its cornerback room to continue this hot stretch nonetheless.
