‘I’m putting myself in uncomfortable positions’… Chiefs’ backup defender willing to take over as starter

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If it hadn’t been for the great performance of the Kansas City Chiefs defense, the course of the 2023 season could have been completely different, and possibly disastrous.

And a big part of good defensive work comes from the defense.

L’Jarius Sneed has taken over the unit and contributes to the consistency and efficiency of all the other cornerbacks in the squad.

The trio of Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson put on a show last year and have everything to follow suit in 2024.

Little did they know that last season was the final one in which they would be able to absorb as much of Sneed’s knowledge as possible.

No concern for the secondary

LJ was traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for some draft picks and the position is likely to undergo some changes.

The starters were Sneed and McDuffie, with Williams and Watson as backups.

Following the natural flow of things, McDuffie will continue as the absolute starter, leaving the other spot to be filled between the other two CBs.

But Steve Spagnuolo can be a box of surprises, so we could have news by the start of the season.

Joshua Williams seems committed to becoming McDuffie’s go-to duo in the year of the – potential – three-peat.

Williams wants the starting cornerback spot

Joshua Williams told a press conference this week that he’s sparing no effort to compete for the starting spot, even above McDuffie.

“I’m approaching it like I want it. I saw they do, too. They’re great athletes. They’re great competitors. They’re all professionals. I’m sure we’re all attacking [it] the same way – but 100%, I want it. I’m going to do everything I need to do to step in there and continue to compete.”

The player admitted that there is an issue of insecurity that plagues him.

“[It’s] consistency. I feel like there’s a lot of things I do well on one play, and then, the next play, that may go away. [It’s] just maybe a lack of discipline [or] a lack of focus. Whatever that is, I want to be as good as I can on every single play and every single snap.”

Williams still recognises that he needs to work harder to improve his press man coverage. He even quotes a phrase that the defensive coordinator often uses in training to encourage the squad.

“Coach Spags always says, ‘Growth comes while you’re being uncomfortable,” said. “So I might be used to the regimen and routine of being up here in St. Joe, but I’m constantly trying to work on something that I’m not so good at – or something that I know needs to be improved upon.”

2024, an important year for Joshua Williams

Entering his third season in the NFL, the cornerback could raise his game if he gets the starting role in the unit.

Sneed took part in practically all of KC’s defensive snaps during the 2023 season, while Williams was involved in only 31% of them.

Throughout his rookie year, that percentage was 38.

In a year in which the Chiefs can secure their third consecutive title, taking over the leadership of the secondary is a big responsibility.

If he can do that, Williams will rise to the next level and establish himself more and more as a great CB.

Joshua commented on his decrease in snaps since his arrival in the league.

“My first two years, I was in a different role,” Williams noted. “Now that the opportunity opened up with such a great player like LJ leaving, I’m just doing everything I can to show the coaches that I’m prepared and willing to do everything possible to step in there.”

He paraphrased Spags about getting out of his comfort zone: “Just all the things that I feel like I could be better at, I’m trying to work at. I’m putting myself in uncomfortable positions. I’m just trying to find that growth area.”