MNChiefsfan wrote earlier about the contributions of defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches in the Chiefs win over the Broncos. Along with Chris Jones and now Kendall Reyes, the Chiefs are playing with all “backups” on the defensive line after the starters in Week 1 were Allen Bailey (IR), Dontari Poe (back injury) and Jaye Howard (IR).
Chiefs DC Bob Sutton was impressed with what he saw from the young Chiefs.
“I loved what they did,” Sutton said. “They just went in there, and they played hard, and tough and played with some energy – just what you’re driving at. You have to just really appreciate these guys. They weren’t even here a couple of weeks ago.”
That last line is the thing to remember as well. Reyes was signed a couple weeks ago. RNR was cut already once this year and re-signed. This is truly a patchwork group that isn’t missing a beat.
“They did, to me, a really nice job,” Sutton continued. “They’re highly competitive, and you couldn’t ask more for those guys. They played a lot plays because of the way the game went and that type of thing. Just really happy at what they did. I think (d-line coach) Britt Reid) did a good job getting them ready. That kind of effort is going to help you anytime.”
As you can read in MNChiefsfan’s review, a guy like Rakeem Nunez-Roches has some flaws but when you’re talking about your fifth or sixth defensive lineman it’s tough to beat a high-effort guy like that.