3. Do you think the defense of the Chiefs is able to slow down the wide receivers of the Texans, and who on the Chiefs defense do you see causing the most problems for DeAndre Hopkins?
CJ: This is a tough question, and I’m learning toward no. If the defensive line wasn’t so banged up, then maybe the Chiefs could pressure Watson and force him into mistakes. It looks like Chris Jones may miss Sunday’s game while Xavier Williams was recently placed on IR. Alex Okafor was a full participant in practice after missing the Colts game, which helps, but Frank Clark is still struggling.
I’m guessing the Chiefs put Kendall Fuller on Hopkins. Fuller is in his second year with the Chiefs after coming over from Washington as part of the Alex Smith trade. He’s performed decently, but hasn’t made the jump to shutdown corner. Yet he’s the best Kansas City has to offer, which is why you’re seeing rumors connecting the Chiefs to potentially any available cornerback, like Jalen Ramsey.
Edge defender respects the possibility of a Deshaun Watson run while Laremy Tunsil and Max Scharping open up a hole. 14-yard gain by Carlos Hyde here. pic.twitter.com/YiejevDvw6
— Aaron Reiss (@aaronjreiss) October 8, 2019
4. What were your thoughts when the Texans traded for Carlos Hyde this offseason? Did you like the return the Chiefs received?
CJ: First off, I was sad to see Hyde go, considering how well his last name and my last name go together, but I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.
I was honestly surprised to see a team trade something for Hyde. He did not have a good preseason, and it was pretty clear that he was fifth in the running back pecking order behind even sixth-round rookie Darwin Thompson.
Even though Martinas Rankin has only played one offensive snap so far this season, he provides depth to an offensive line that sorely needs it, and he has potential to grow into a starter in future seasons.