Kansas
The Kansas City Chiefs And Nick Bolton Are Finally Intercepting Passes
Two weeks in the past, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs had pressured simply three interceptions (and eight takeaways whole) on the entire season. Now they’ve picks in back-to-back weeks.
Nick Bolton sealed Sunday’s 26-10 win towards the Los Angeles Rams with an interception and the second-year tackling machine additionally closed the earlier Sunday’s victory towards the Los Angeles Chargers with one.
“We had a pair ones early within the yr that we simply dropped,” Bolton stated. “So we form of made a give attention to that.”
Bolton deflected reward towards 6-6, 285-pound defensive finish Carlos Dunlap for tipping the cross that resulted in Sunday’s game-sealing interception, saying Dunlap deserved 75% of the credit score.
“Our d-line did a hell of a job once more at this time,” Bolton stated.
Bolton’s most up-to-date theft adopted a play by L’Jarius Sneed — the versatile cowl nook, tackler and blitzer — during which he went underneath the route to choose off a cross meant for Van Jefferson.
That interception occurred two performs after Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw one in the long run zone, giving the Rams an opportunity to return again from what was only a 10-point, fourth-quarter margin.
It was the second consecutive sport that the Chiefs protection — usually the forgotten facet of the ball due to Mahomes’ all-around excellence — pressured two turnovers.
“They’d lots of huge performs within the sport,” Mahomes stated. “You may see them maturing because the yr goes on.”
Bolton’s interception occurred simply 4 Rams offensive performs after Sneed’s takeaway, and the cross Bolton snared was additionally meant for Jefferson. That turnover with 5:27 left successfully sealed the victory.
The linebacker’s interceptions in back-to-back video games are the primary of his profession.
Final week he stated he was placing the primary soccer he intercepted — the one with 26 seconds left that ensured Kansas Metropolis’s 30-27 victory towards the Chargers — in his house workplace.
He made positive to carry on to that precious memento.
After returning a fumble 86 yards for a landing towards the Denver Broncos final season, he ended up throwing the ball within the enemy stands and by no means acquired it again.
“I attempted to,” Bolton stated. “That was lengthy gone.”
Per week after changing into the primary NFL participant this yr to have 10 tackles, a pressured fumble and an interception, Bolton had a team-high 11 tackles and an interception vs. the Rams.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid praised his instincts and tackling skill.
“He’s a heck of a soccer participant,” Reid stated. “He’s having undoubtedly an All-Professional season.”
Within the second yr of his inexpensive, four-year, $5.8 million rookie deal, Bolton appears worthy of a long-term extension, although he’s not a free agent till 2025.
The cross he intercepted, nevertheless, got here from a passer in his contract yr.
Undrafted quarterback Bryce Perkins was making his first profession begin, and he was with out his prime weapons — Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson — at vast receiver and enjoying behind a makeshift line.
So it needs to be famous the Chiefs’ sturdy defensive play got here towards a lineup that hardly resembled the one which suited up in Tremendous Bowl LVI.
In the event that they need to attain Tremendous Bowl LVII, the 9-2 Chiefs have loads of issues to scrub up — particularly on particular groups and offense.
Skyy Moore fumbled for the third time this season as a punt returner, and the offense broke down at factors, scoring only one landing in six forays contained in the Rams’ 14-yard line.
“Particularly within the pink zone,” Mahomes stated, “we’ve acquired to execute at the next stage.”
Mahomes criticized himself for his red-zone interception to security Nick Scott, saying he threw proper into the “dude’s abdomen.”
Nonetheless, Mahomes had his sixth straight 300-yard passing sport of the season.
“Pat had one other huge night time,” Reid stated. “We form of take these with no consideration.”
Mahomes has loved many huge ones and is a significant cause why the Chiefs have now received 26 consecutive video games in November and December.
“We perceive that good groups — they form of catch stride this a part of the yr. That’s form of the groups that take over within the playoffs,” Bolton stated. “We’re simply now hitting Thanksgiving, child, greatest a part of soccer.”
Kansas
Kansas State Fans Unload On Jerome Tang After Wichita State Loss
Kansas State’s meltdown loss to the Stockers can be attributed to many on the team.
But it was coach Jerome Tang who was the center of the criticism Saturday night. This is the second time in the last three games where the Wildcats were outdone dramatically in the second half.
Kansas State stars Coleman Hawkins and David N’Guessan combined for just 15 points on 35 percent shooting. Meanwhile, David Castillo went 0 of 7 from 3-point range, contributing to a 28 percent shooting performance from the arc.
On the other end, Wichita State’s Xavier Bell and Corey Washington combined for 42 points. The Shockers collectively got to the paint and free-throw line very often Saturday.
“I saw this live,” one user said. “Competitive for 30 minutes, the Cats freaked out being down by 4 and couldn’t stop chucking threes and play horrible defense. Tang tries but this squad has no heart and grit. Soft. Fragile.”
Kansas State starts facing conference opponents next week, with their first Big 12 matchup against Cincinnati (9-1) Monday night. But honestly, most fans are ready to throw in the towel on the season already.
“I love this college with my whole heart,” another fan said. “Will always support the University but this is one of the worst starts to a season I have ever seen. This is not the standard we have built and something needs to change. The program should be embarrassed because the fans sure are.”
Jayden Armant is a graduate of the Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to Kansas State Wildcats on SI. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.
Kansas
Chiefs Suffer Several Big Injuries Before Steelers Game
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been pummeled with injuries over recent weeks. They aren’t alone in that predicament, however, as their Christmas Day opponent in the Kansas City Chiefs are currently dealing with their fair share of bumps and bruises.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones (calf), wide receiver Xavier Worthy (ankle), offensive tackle Jawann Taylor (knee) and linebacker Jack Cochrane (ankle) all went down in Kansas City’s win over the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon, casting doubt on their collective statuses for Wednesday’s meeting with Pittsburgh in a short week.
Jones, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s elite defensive talents for the better part of a decade, sustained his injury in the fourth quarter. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid described it as a strain, and it’s unclear if he’ll be ready to go against the Steelers.
The five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro has recorded five sacks on the season to go with 30 total tackles, nine of which have gone for losses, and a forced fumble.
Worthy, who was selected with the No. 28 pick of the first round in the 2024 draft, posted a career-high six catches for 65 yards and a touchdown versus Houston. He departed with his injury in the second quarter before returning after halftime and remaining available from that point forward, meaning he’s likely good to go against the Steelers.
Reid also described Taylor’s injury as a strain after he was pulled in the third quarter of Saturday’s contest. The 27-year-old has held a spot on the Chiefs’ injury report since Week 13 with a knee issue, though he’s yet to miss a game both this season and throughout his entire six-year career.
Taylor occupies the right tackle spot and has made 15 starts this campaign. Kansas City’s depth has already been tested after left tackle D.J. Humphries was inactive versus Houston with a hamstring injury, leaving Wanya Morris and second-round rookie Kingsley Suamataia as the team’s most likely options at the two spots if the former pair of players can’t work their way back onto the field in the coming days.
Cochrane fractured his ankle, per Reid, which may very well end his year. The special teams ace logged a total of 306 snaps, mustering five tackles over that stretch.
The Chiefs are now 14-1 and have a magic number of one to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC, meaning another win or a single Buffalo Bills loss would do the job.
Thus, Kansas City could adopt a safe approach by resting some of its guys and opting not to risk worsening the health of its players with such little down time before taking on the Steelers.
Pittsburgh, on the other hand, has seen its hold on the AFC North slip out of its hands following a loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday that has both teams sitting with a 10-5 record.
Though the Steelers have clinched a postseason berth, they are currently on a two-game losing streak and would ideally avoid slipping any further.
Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (knee) and wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) both suffered injuries against Baltimore while cornerback Donte Jackson (back), defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin), quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal), safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) all didn’t make an appearance with pre-existing wounds.
Pittsburgh needs to get off the schneid quickly, and the hope is that it can return several key pieces whom are currently on the mend for its bout with the reigning Super Bowl champions from KC.
Make sure to bookmark Steelers On SI to get all your daily Pittsburgh Steelers news, interviews, breakdowns and more!
Kansas
Kansas State Has Another Second-Half Collapse In Loss To Wichita State
The Kansas State Wildcats looked like a strong basketball team for one half.
And then the second half happened.
The Wildcats were outscored by 23 in the final 20 minutes in an 84-65 loss to Wichita State Saturday night on the road.
“They were better than us, especially in the second half,” K-State coach Jerome Tang said. “I thought their staff did a great job of putting a game plan together of how they wanted to attack us.”
It was the second time the Wildcats had a second-half collapse. The same thing happened in a blowout loss at St. John’s earlier this month.
“The other coaches did a better job of making adjustments than our staff did,” Tang said.
Xavier Bell led the Shockers with a season-high 24 points. Macaleab Rich led the Wildcats with 20 points.
WILDCATS SIGN RECEIVER
Kansas State is making moves within the transfer portal. Their most recent acquisition former Boston College wide receiver Jerand Bradley.
Bradley had just six receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns last season with the Eagles. However, he compiled 92 receptions for 1,274 yards and 10 touchdowns with Texas Tech, illustrating his ability to produce. He will have many opportunities to replicate this in Manhattan, with the Wildcats reeling after losing their top two receivers.
KANSAS STATE WILDCATS HAVE NEW UNIFORMS FOR RATE BOWL AGAINST RUTGERS
As Kansas State gears up for the Rutgers Scarlet Knight, storylines have been flying around regarding the transfer portal, new recruits, and possible breakout performances.
But a more light-hearted note was the Wildcats getting to unveil their new uniforms in the Rate Bowl.
Wildcats veteran Taylor Poitier said it was “really cool” to be able to suit up in these newer designs.
“We rarely get to wear those types of uniform combos, so I’m really excited to wear them,” Poitier said. “They’ll look pretty cool out there.”
Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Kansas State Wildcats On SI. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com
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