The Kansas City Chiefs won a nailbiter against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9, and if it weren’t for the standout performances of several key players, the team could have left Frankfurt, Germany with their third loss of the 2023 season.
Their defense showed up when it mattered most at the end of the game, and while the offense struggled to get its footing in the second half, the unit showed signs of life that were encouraging early in the matchup.
Pro Football Focus released grades for the Chiefs’ tilt against Miami on Monday, and there were several surprises in their assessment of Kansas City’s performance.
A total of eight players received marks of 70.0 or higher from PFF. Four players were represented on each side of the ball, and a few names made the list that fans may not have expected.
Check out which Chiefs were considered the cream of the crop in Kansas City’s seventh win:
Jan 1, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay (50) celebrates after a tackle against the Denver Broncos during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) warms up on the field before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Jan 21, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) is introduced prior to an AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
4. DB Trent McDuffie 79.6
Dec 24, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (21) celebrates after an interception by safety Juan Thornhill (not pictured) during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray (83) on field against the Denver Broncos during a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (19) reacts after a first down catch during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Kansas City Chiefs safety Chamarri Conner (27) participates in special teams drills at DFB Campus. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 18: Justin Reid #20 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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Charles McDonald is joined by Derrik Klassen of Bleacher Report and Reception Perception to give their final thoughts ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft on storylines to watch and this fascinating quarterback class. The duo start off with the news that Zach Wilson has been traded to the Denver Broncos. Both agree this doesn't mean a lot for anyone except Ben DiNucci, but Charles asks if the New York Jets should consider drafting Aaron Rodgers' replacement at tenth overall (or later in the draft).
There are 4-5 first round picks at quarterback this year, and Derrik has charted all of them. Charles and Derrik do a final deep dive on each of the top QBs, breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy.
Later, Charles presents his four storylines to watch this Thursday as the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off. Charles thinks the ideal landing spot for Drake Maye is the Minnesota Vikings, and that Denver trading up is irresponsible. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars are an ideal candidate to make a move and trade up for a wide receiver or cornerback. Finally Charles presents his take that this defensive tackle class is underrated, which sparks a conversation around how college linebackers are letting the NFL down.
