L’Jarius Sneed fires back at Ja’Marr Chase following Chiefs Victory

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Facing questions about their pass coverage, the Kansas City Chiefs secondary did their talking on the field Sunday.

It all started in the middle of the week when Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase said that nothing stands out about the Chiefs’ secondary.

The KC defense did not respond during the week, but we saw them again come up big when needed on Sunday.

Jake Browning had 197 yards through the air, and while 17 points allowed against a backup quarterback isn’t a great look, Steve Spagnuolo’s group held firm when it mattered most.

They kept the Bengals off the scoreboard in the second half, coming away with a 25-17 victory, clinching the AFC West.

Sneed Holding His Own

L’Jarius Sneed came into Sunday’s contest questionable to play because of a shoulder injury, but the 26-year-old put together another fine performance.

Like he has all season, Sneed showed he’s capable of going toe-to-toe with the best pass-catchers the NFL has to offer and that he’s not afraid of getting physical.

He and Chase got into a war of words and a shoving match in the opening half, though Sneed wisely stayed out of the extracurricular stuff while Chase lost his cool.

Chase’s actions echoed what many elite NFL receivers probably feel when going up against Sneed this season: pure frustration.

While that play ended with offsetting penalties against Chase and the Chiefs’ Mike Edwards, Sneed was getting the better of Chase throughout the game.

Like Tyreek Hill, A.J. Brown, Justin Jefferson, and Stefon Diggs earlier this season, Sneed kept a marquee receiver in check on Sunday.

The first catch by Chase went for 24 yards, but he only made two more in the game, finishing with three grabs for just 41 yards.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Chase put up some big games statistically in the past against KC, but his three catches on Sunday were the second-fewest for him in a single game this season.

Afterwards, Sneed was asked about the words he had exchanged with Chase.

Sneed acknowledged this and said to “check the stats”.

Overall, the Chiefs’ defense held Cincinnati to a mere 3.7 yards-per-play throughout the contest, though the Bengals converted half of their third downs (8/16).

The KC pass rush came up huge, registering six quarterback sacks, two of which came courtesy of Chiefs safety Justin Reid.

That made life much easier for the cover game.

Trent McDuffie made five tackles, while Sneed had two as they continue to make solid cases for Pro Bowl selections.

Since losing to the Buffalo Bills in December, the Chiefs defense hasn’t given up over four yards-per-play to any of their previous three opponents.

Andy Reid’s group will end the regular season by heading to SoFi Stadium for a date with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The last time they faced their AFC West rivals, Sneed had five tackles and an interception while holding the dangerous Keenan Allen to just four catches for 55 yards.