Chiefs P Tommy Townsend is AFC Special Teamer of the Week | KCSN Daily 12.21
Plus KCSN podcasts, injury report, quotes and more Chiefs news.
Welcome back to the latest issue of KCSN Daily, where we deliver the best Kansas City Chiefs content to your inbox.
Chiefs P Tommy Townsend has been through a rollercoaster of a week. Things started off with former Chiefs P Dustin Colquitt criticizing his job as the team’s holder, in part blaming him for Harrison Butker’s recent wave of missed kicks. On Tuesday, things were looking up again for the third-year punter.
The NFL named Townsend AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 15. It was his third career AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor and the first this 2022 NFL season. In Week 15 against the Houston Texans, Townsend had four total punts with two landing inside the 20-yard line. The average starting field position of 17.5 yards for the Texans led the AFC conference this past week.
Townsend has certainly proven that he’s a weapon who can flip field position on a moment’s notice, putting the defense in a good position to make a play against opposing offenses. He has plenty more to prove as a young player, but he’s certainly stacking up the accolades early in his career.
12 things that stood out from the Chiefs’ tough win vs. Texans:
KCSN’s BJ Kissel gives you 12 things that stood out to him following the Kansas City Chiefs' victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday.
Wednesday Injury Report:
Chiefs:
DNP: S Deon Bush (Illness), DT Khalen Saunders (Illness), DE Mike Danna (Illness), and TE Jody Fortson (Elbow).
LP: None.
FP: DT Chris Jones (Illness), WR Kadarius Toney (Hamstring), DB Nazeeh Johnson (Hamstring), CB L’Jarius Sneed (Calf), DT Derrick Nnadi (Achilles), TE Noah Gray (Shoulder), OT Lucas Niang (Knee), and RB Isiah Pacheco (Shoulder).
Seahawks
DNP: LB Bruce Irvin (Knee/Heel), RB Kenneth Walker (Ankle), TE Noah Fant (Knee), WR Tyler Lockett (Hand), S Ryan Neal (Knee), and NT Al Woods (Achilles)
LP: WR Marquise Goodwin (Wrist), LB Jordyn Brooks (Neck), and RB DeeJay Dallas (Ankle).
FP: LB Darrell Taylor (Illness), LB Uchenna Nwosu (Elbow), and DE Quinton Jefferson (Foot).
Key:
DNP (Did Not Participate), LP (Limited Participant), FP (Full Participant), NIR (Not Injury Related).
Notes:
Remember, the Chiefs are not required to list the practice participation of WR Mecole Hardman or TE Blake Bell until they have been activated to the 53-man roster.
Want to know more about how the Chiefs’ defense reacts after a turnover? Subscribe and read this article from KCSN’s Craig Stout.
KCSN Update:
KCSN’s BJ Kissel sits down with Brett Kollmann to talk about the Kansas City Chiefs matchup vs. the Seattle Seahawks and break down the Chiefs and Seahawks' scheme and tendencies.
Quotable:
“Well, I’ll tell you what, I thought the last play that we were on the field (for) this past week (against the Texans) is what Frank Clark is all about. The word ‘relentless’ (is a word) we use all the time defensively, he’s the epitome of that. And I think if you go through his four years here, I think you’d find other plays. There’s a – I have it because I show it periodically because I always tell the guys, ‘Pass rushers keep rushing the passer.’ He had one here in our own stadium, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, I think he fell down, he got up, he turned around, the quarterback, but it was a perfect example of Frank in that he’s relentless as a pass (rusher) and he keeps on rushing. Guys that do that have a chance of having a result that we had on this past Sunday. But, (if) he keeps doing that, that’ll help us.” - Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on Frank Clark
“We always knew Jerick (McKinnon) was a – and I’ll say this, he’s a very, very good football player that happens to play the running back position. And that’s been Jerick’s story his whole entire career. Obviously, he had some injuries when he went to San Fran (with the 49ers), he did a heck of a job when he was with the Minnesota Vikings. We knew all about him when he was coming out of college. In fact, I know at the time Coach (Bob) Sutton liked him as a nickel defensive back (and) we liked him as a runner as well. But Jerick is doing a great job. Jerick is doing everything that we expected him to do and that’s just who he is. He’s the ultimate professional (and) he does a great job of working it on the field but the thing I don’t think he probably gets enough credit for is just his leadership that he provides (and) being an example of what it takes to be a professional to all the young players in our room.” - Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy on Jerick McKinnon’s performance
Quick Hits:
From the Chiefs: The team is teasing a collaboration between Patrick Mahomes and Peyton Manning. We’ll see what comes of this in the future.
From Khalen Saunders: While Saunders is out with an illness, he made a string of tweets defending the team’s play on the defensive side of the ball. One of his tweets suggests that he won’t be returning to Kansas City next year. Saunders is an unrestricted free agent following the 2022 NFL season.
From Steve Spagnuolo: The Chiefs’ defensive coordinator is impressed with Seahawks WR D.K. Metcalf. 810 WHB’s Joshua Brisco shared his comments from Wednesday’s media availability along with a picture for context.
Important dates ahead:
Saturday, Dec. 24 at Noon CT - Week 16: Chiefs vs. Seahawks - GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium - Kansas City, Missouri
You make a lifetime of difference for a child or teen.
Boys & Girls Clubs is looking for dedicated men and women nvest in the lives of youth through coaching. Did you know by participating in sports, children learn the value of teamwork, responsibility, good sportsmanship, and self-esteem? By becoming a volunteer coach, you aelping to power the dreams—and successful futures—of Kansas City’s kids! The Clubs are currently seeking baseball coaches. Click here to sign up today! All equipment will be provided. No prior coaching experience is needed.