KC Chiefs Defensive Coaches React to L’Jarius Sneed Not Making Pro Bowl
The Kansas City Chiefs' original 2024 Pro Bowl Games class doesn't feature cornerback L'Jarius Sneed. Barring a substitution that allows Sneed to sub in as an alternate, the star corner won't be invited to February's competition(s) or be able to join some of the NFL's best players from the current season.
That's led fans, local media and national analysts alike to declare Sneed a Pro Bowl snub. It's a likely assessment, although it doesn't appear to be something that's bothering the fourth-year man. Instead, his coaching staff is making sure everyone knows how talented he is.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt discussed the lack of Sneed on the Pro Bowl roster. He also revealed the message he shared with Sneed earlier this week.
“You know what?" Merritt asked. "The beautiful thing about our country is that people are able to voice their opinion, able to vote and so the fans decided that he wasn’t good enough to make the Pro Bowl. I know if I was a defensive coordinator, he’s one of the first guys that I’m going to come and grab because he’s probably one of the more complete corners that I’ve ever been around in my building as far as when it comes to tackling as well covering. So, I just told LJ even last night, that, ‘Hey, no matter what happens, always stay humble, stay hungry, stay positive and stay prayed up because your time will come.’ He’s the type of young man that he’s not going to put the spotlight on himself and that could be one of the reasons why because he’s not flashy or flamboyant. He kind of does his job and goes up under the radar.”
Sneed's resume is certainly worthy of a Pro Bowl selection. He's surrendered just a 56.2 passer rating in coverage and has yet to allow a touchdown all season. Additionally, he's a hard-nosed run defender and one of the more aggressive tackling defensive backs in all of football. To top things off, the former fourth-round pick has matched up with some of the game's best wide receivers and done a terrific job slowing them down. Some notable names include Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams and Ja'Marr Chase.
A big reason why the Kansas City defense is a top-flight unit is that Sneed has evolved into a top-flight cornerback. His running mate, Trent McDuffie, is also enjoying a nice 2023 campaign but didn't get a Pro Bowl nod. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo expressed that he's let down by neither of his major contributors getting in.
"Listen, I'd be lying if I didn't say I was disappointed," Spagnuolo said. "You know how I feel about those guys. It is what it is. I mean, again, because I know those guys, they're more concerned with the bigger picture. But yeah, disappointed is a pretty good word."
All-Pro berths certainly carry more weight than Pro Bowl ones. Perhaps someone in the Chiefs secondary may earn that accolade. Sneed is the most deserving candidate on the team (and maybe in the AFC) considering all he's done this year. Regardless of circumstance — matchup, injury, weather condition, offense rank — the 26-year-old has consistently stepped up to the plate. It wasn't enough to get him some external recognition this time around, but those within the building are letting it be known that he's a star. With the playoffs right around the corner, he'll soon have more chances to prove it.
