PFF: Damien Williams made the Colts miss tackles, which could be a sign of good things to come

Each week, Pro Football Focus shares some notes from the Kansas City Chiefs’ previous game as part of something it calls PFF Insights. Last week, the Chiefs defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 31-13, to clinch a berth in the AFC title game.

On offense, running back Damien Williams continues to do a great job in replacing both Kareem Hunt (released) and Spencer Ware (injury).

PFF: Williams rushed for 129 yards on 25 attempts, as well as adding five receptions on six targets for 25 yards, with one drop. From this past weekends games, Williams tied C.J. Anderson for most missed tackles with four, as well as adding an impressive six runs of 10 yards or more to the stat sheet.

The ability of Williams to make opposing tacklers miss could be a could sign for this Sunday, as Hunt, when he was with the Chiefs, was a Patriot killer. Chiefs fans will be hoping Williams can pick up where Hunt left off against New England.

National and local media (myself very much included) were shocked when the Chiefs decided to insert cornerback Charvarius Ward into the lineup Week 16, but as every week passes, it looks more and more like the right decision.

PFF: Ward stepped up big time in coverage for the Chiefs, as he played 51 defensive snaps (entered the game playing just 140 defensive snaps all season). Ward allowed just four receptions on eight targets for 42 yards, while registering two pass breakups and a 65.6 passer rating, dating back to week 16 when he started getting playing time, his five pass breakups are tied for the most in the NFL with Patriots corner Stephon Gilmore.

For comparison’s sake, Pro Football Focus’ Mike Renner graded Gilmore the league’s top cornerback earlier this week.

Other Chiefs notes from PFF for the divisional round

• Travis Kelce was the highest-graded Chiefs player on offense, according to PFF. Kelce caught seven of nine receptions for 108 yards, with six of those receptions going for first downs. Kelce led all tight ends this past weekend with 52 yards from the slot, as well an impressive 2.70 yards per route run, second highest among tight ends from the divisional round.
• Outside linebacker Dee Ford had a dominant pass-rushing performance against the Colts. Ford registered five total pressures on 26 pass rushing snaps, including one sack, two quarterbacks hits and two quarterback hurries. The five total pressures were tied for most among edge rushers in the NFL this past weekend with four others.