KC Chiefs: Four backups who could make a statement in Week 17
By Shade Piper
KC Chiefs Backups Who Could Make a Statement – No. 3: Willie Gay
I know that Willie Gay isn’t necessarily a backup, but I’m including him here because EVERYBODY (except maybe Coach Spagnuolo) thinks that the Chiefs need to get him more playing time. Now he did have a shot at increased playing time last week due to injuries and produced mixed results, but this being his second week in a row with extended playing time means he could be due for a statement week.
Last week Gay had some plays that displayed his impressive athleticism and then he had some plays where he looked overwhelmed and even possibly lost at times. Watching him fly around and make big hits and force fumbles on his good plays though is what gives Chiefs Kingdom hope that he can be a special player.
This is the week that Gay needs to show the Chiefs that not only does he have the potential to be a special player in the future but that he can be trusted to be an impact player in the playoffs. Week 17 could be a big statement week for Willie Gay.
KC Chiefs Backups Who Could Make a Statement – No. 2: DeAndre Baker
2020 has been a rough year for basically everyone, but it was especially rough for DeAndre Baker after getting into some trouble and seeing his football career flash before his eyes. However, late in 2020, he was given a second chance by the Chiefs after clearing up his legal issues.
Since joining the Chiefs, he hasn’t gotten onto the field. Baker now could have a chance to start 2021 off on a high note with a statement game in Week 17. He has a chance this week to show the Chiefs that he was worthy of the second chance.
There haven’t been any secondary players ruled out of the game yet, but one would think that the Chiefs get Baker onto the field this week. Baker is just a year removed from being a first-round draft pick and, like Willie Gay, with a good performance this week he could force his way onto the field as an impact player for the Chiefs playoff run.