Steve Spagnuolo picks out the Chiefs emerging defensive leader who has really impressed him

Add as preferred source on Google

Steve Spagnuolo has a lot to be proud of this season, especially the play of his secondary.

That Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator is overseeing his young defensive corners grow quickly into Pro Bowl calibre players.

L’Jarius Sneed has received his share of praise throughout 2023, with the third-year corner shutting down many premier NFL receivers.

On the opposite side, another youngster is also putting together a fine season, while showing wisdom beyond his years.

Trent McDuffie’s Sizzling Sophomore Campaign

Sneed may be getting the significant assignments weekly, but Trent McDuffie is proving he’s no slouch either.

The 23-year-old out of Washington, drafted #21 overall in 2022, has taken his game to another level this season.

Coming into the final game of the regular season, McDuffie is second on the team regarding total tackles (80), registering three sacks with seven passes defended and creating a team-high five forced fumbles.

McDuffie recently talked about the responsibility the coaching staff put on his plate in year two of his NFL career.

“I definitely think I’ve started to take on a little bit more of a role out there on the defense, especially playing that nickel position,” he says.

“There’s a lot on me as far as checks and just communicating out there on the back end with the linebackers and stuff.”

His leadership is one of the many qualities Spagnuolo is noticing on and off the field.

“(McDuffie) is really developing into a slow, quiet leader,” says Spagnuolo.

“(L’Jarius Sneed]) and Justin Reid are kind of the guys, but you can feel that in Trent. I think he’s playing with a lot of confidence.”

McDuffie’s Goals

The 23-year-old native of Westminster, California, says being a leader is essential to the success of this organization.

“I’m just trying to keep that positive attitude around here and keep that culture of winning. Just making sure I reiterate what the coaches are talking about, so that’s coming along quietly for sure.”

McDuffie should be in the mix to earn his first Pro Bowl place, but there’s something missing on his NFL resume: an interception.

Spagnuolo is optimistic that will come soon.

“I want him to get that first interception though,” Spagnuolo said. “I thought it was coming last week (against the Raiders). I really did. I told him that, and I think he wants that too… I’m hopeful that that can happen for him because he’s played so solid for us.”

“That’s always something on my mind,” McDuffie revealed.

“I think it’s always on a DB’s mind is go and get that interception. But I’ve tried not to let it affect my confidence or affect my play. It definitely gives me this edge that I got to go out there and keep proving myself and keep trying to get that one.”

Before his rookie campaign, McDuffie changed his jersey number from 21 to 22 in honor of his brother Tyler, who died in 2015.

His 80 tackles this year are nearly double what he managed in his rookie campaign (44).