One would hope that the fifth loss of the Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 season would invite a sense of desperation or urgency to embrace improvements in the weeks to come. If there is one critique or frustration with the current coaching staff, it is the fact that they appear comfortable noting their own failures and offer little hope of change. This week, that is the case for a defense that pushed standout rookie cornerback Nohl Williams out of the lineup in favor of veteran Kristian Fulton.
Williams has exceeded expectations early into his rookie season, whereas Fulton has been nothing short of an offseason regret. Still, it seems the Chiefs' coaching staff is refusing to learn their lesson with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo noting that they had packages for Williams in Week 11 but simply didn't get to them, according to A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman.
Goldman further reported defensive back coach Dave Merritt's comments of defensive back coach Dave Merritt, who offered the following concerning sentiment about wanting to get Fulton more playing time:
"I think when you look at it, Kristian was brought in here to play... When he's ready to go, you try to get him in the rotation," Merritt said. "We're going to continue to try to get Nohl some snaps as well as Kristian."
Chiefs Might Keep Playing Kristian Fulton at Nohl Williams' Expense
Merritt's comments are an incredibly concerning way to look at things, and part of why the Chiefs find themselves in the mess they are currently in.
You would hope that the Chiefs weren't using this line of thinking as they get ready to take on a surprisingly great Indianapolis Colts team. What Merritt is basically saying here is that Fulton is being paid top-dollar and, due to this, is going to be used as a starter. This is furthered by pointing out that the coaching staff will do their best to get Williams in the lineup.
Merritt's words aren't going to reassure a frustrated fan base who couldn't care less about tenure or pay scale. It is a league that is supposed to be focused completely on winning, and it is clear that Fulton isn't a winning player right now. What you're paying the corner simply doesn't matter when Williams has proven himself to be a better option. It's even worse since the rookie has outplayed his veteran counterpart all year, proven by these Pro Football Focus stats:
Statistic | Nohl Williams | Kristian Fulton |
|---|---|---|
PFF Defense Grade | 72.6 | 49.5 |
PFF Coverage Grade | 76.8 | 52.3 |
Completion Rate Allowed | 53.3% | 100.0% |
Passer Rating Allowed | 63.5 | 118.8 |
It's a small sample size for Fulton, who's only played three games, but it shows just how little of an impact he's made in those few appearances.
Stubbornly sticking with Fulton heading into a pivotal game against the Colts is going to prove costly and is yet another example of why this coaching staff needs a shake-up. As great as the Chiefs' dynastic run has been, one of the few frustrating byproducts has been a sense of apathy or contentment that appears to be consistently fostered by this coaching staff. This is just the latest example with the team opting to go with experience and contract value over who gives the team the best chance to win.
No question, Fulton shouldn't be in a starting lineup based on his current level of play. The Chiefs should be in desperation mode, and opting to simply stay content with failing pieces proves they are far from it. All of this adds up to a decision that is going to continue to cost the franchise and push Williams out of an opportunity the rookies' play had earned.