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Forgotten Chief Given Big Week 15 Opportunity After Starter's Benching

By Joe Summers

Nov 17, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Nov 17, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
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Young cornerback Keith Taylor Jr., who is in his second season with the Chiefs after spending last year on the practice squad, suddenly has a major opportunity in Week 15.

Taylor has barely played this season despite being a preseason star but after Nazeeh Johnson's demotion, Taylor has seen an uptick in work in recent weeks. Steven Nelson was signed this week out of retirement but won't play against the Browns on Sunday, giving the fourth-year unheralded player a chance to earn more snaps moving forward.

If Taylor can regain that form he showed in the preseason, it could provide a big boost to the secondary down the stretch.

Chiefs CB Keith Taylor Suddenly Major Player Against Browns

Originally a fifth-round pick by the Panthers in 2021, Taylor looked promising early in his career but was let go after his second campaign. He inched up to 13% of the defensive snaps last week compared to 23% for Johnson, who doesn't seem to be getting his role back.

Joshua Williams and Chamarri Conner handled the majority of snaps alongside Trent McDuffie, who has played every single snap this season. However, Williams suffered an injury against the Chargers and his status this Sunday is unclear.

If Williams can't suit up or is limited, that means more opportunities for Taylor in all likelihood. Johnson should still get more time in comparison, though it'd be wise to see if Taylor can inject some juice into the defense against an opposing quarterback who relishes turning the ball over in Jameis Winston.

The Chiefs have just six interceptions in 2024, tied for the sixth-fewest in the NFL. Taylor snagged a pick in the preseason - perhaps he can notch one on Winston and the Browns? Even in just limited time, Taylor ranks 83rd out of 213 qualified cornerbacks at Pro Football Focus.

Either way, it'll be interesting to see how Steve Spagnuolo utilizes the six-foot-three corner. He has the size to be successful in this scheme, so here's hoping he gets a proper chance.

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