How Rookie, Other Factor Have Helped Chiefs Make U-Turn

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Three weeks ago, Justin Herbert carved up the Chiefs’ secondary for 318 yards and three touchdowns. But over the past two games, Kansas City has combined to hold opponent quarterbacks to a 57.7 passer rating.

The only defense better during that span, ironically, is the Chargers at 55.6. It’s a remarkable turnaround for the Kansas City defense, which hasn’t allowed a touchdown pass over the two-game stretch.

Rookie Nohl Williams

And rookie Nohl Williams has played a starring role. More specifically, he’s locked down wide receivers DaVonta Smith and Malik Nabers, among others. Defensive backs coach Dave Merritt said Williams has earned that trust, and in turn, has allowed All-Pro Trent McDuffie to play more in the slot. Merritt had one word for how Williams has helped the rest of the defense.

Nohl Williams, DeVonta Smit — Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) is unable to make a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Nohl Williams (20) during the third quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

“Tremendously,” Merritt said Thursday. “So, if we can have a young man like a Nohl come in and do the things that he's doing, you want that. And so, the fact that he's able to go out there and use his skill set versus these top receivers, that's helping everyone out. Not only Trent, it's helping the D-line out as well. So, he's done a great job.”

Nohl Williams snaps counts by week: 0, 8, 19

Trent McDuffie slot snaps: 11, 12, 17

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— Price Carter (@priceacarter) September 22, 2025

The C word

As the Chiefs (1-2) prepare for Baltimore (1-2) on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium (3:25 p.m. CT, CBS/KCTV Channel 5, 96.5 The Fan), Kansas City’s secondary has also has mastered something it lacked in that season-opening loss to the Chargers.

“These guys are communicating well,” Merritt added. “No busted coverages. And so, when you can communicate well, you don't have busted coverage. That's going to help everyone. And it's going to bring the yardage down. So, the communication has been tremendous. So hopefully we'll continue with that.”

Chris Roland-Wallac — Sep 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace (30) intercepts a pass against the New York Giants in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

That’ll be a steep challenge on Sunday. Quarterback Lamar Jackson isn’t just the NFL’s most dangerous rushing threat at his position, he also leads the league with a 141.8 passer rating – light years ahead of the next-closest player, Jared Goff (120.2).

Defensive tackle Chris Jones is familiar with Jackson. In five games against the Ravens, Jones is 4-1 with four sacks and three forced fumbles. Jones uses two words to describe Jackson.

“As you see on film, fast, explosive,” Jones said Thursday. “Any play in the game, he can change the dynamic of it.

“Stopping Lamar is one thing; trying to contain him is another. And over the years, you look at how prolific he is as a passer, I think he's completing 70 percent of his passes, which I think he should have won MVP last year. Have so much respect for him.”

Jackson doesn’t get enough credit for his passing ability. The Chiefs, however, are hoping to keep him from more history on Sunday. The quarterback is off to one of the best starts by a passer in league annals.

Chris Jones, Lamar Jackso — Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws the ball around Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) while being sacked by Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) during the first half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

With two touchdown passes, no interceptions and a passer rating of at least 125.0, Jackson would become the first player ever to reach those marks in each of his team’s first four games of a season.

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