Key Takeaways
– Linebacker Leo Chenal of Kansas City Chiefs won the title of All-Underrated team, as declared by the Bleacher Report
– His impressive field performance in the 2024 Super Bowl and regular seasons led to him gaining this recognition
– Chenal expected to play an even larger role in 2024, following the departure of his teammate, Willie Gay
– The Chiefs’ defense maintains continuity with nine out of 11 starters
Underrated Gem of Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are known for their game-changers – players that make a significant difference on the field. Among these talented names, the one steadily making his mark is Leo Chenal. The third-year linebacker was recently named in the Bleacher Report’s All-Underrated Team.
Though not an everyday player in public opinion, Chenal has now been recognized for his growth, performance, and potential in the NFL. His distinctive presence, which mainly stems from working as the Sam ‘backer and making victorious strides at or near the line of scrimmage, is hard to miss. With stellar performances, even in high-stakes games, Chenal has proven his worth resulting in his placement on the All-Underrated Team.
An Impeccable Super Bowl Performance
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report provided insights on how Chenal proved his mettle in the 2024 Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers. During the memorable 25-22 overtime victory, Chenal displayed his outstanding skills, “Chenal registered six total tackles, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble, a quarterback hit, and a blocked extra point,” he noted. His performance earned him the highest-graded player according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Consistency Throughout The Last Season
Chenal’s excellence wasn’t limited to this high-profile game. Throughout the 2023 regular season, he consistently delivered incredible performances. As per PFF, Chenal finished the season with an 84.0 defensive grade, ranking him fifth among all linebackers with 100 or more defensive snaps. Also impressive was his 90.6 run defense grade, ranking third among linebackers fulfilling the same criteria. These marks are enough evidence to reinforce the trust and high expectations placed on his performance in the upcoming 2024 season, especially following Willie Gay’s departure.
Maintaining Defensive Continuity with Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are blessed with a team that maintains a high degree of continuity, with nine starters returning for the 2024 season. Fellow fourth-year linebacker Nick Bolton emphasized this asset, pointing out the advantage of having most of the same team members growing together, resulting in effective communication and covered weaknesses. Bolton stated, “We understand the communication part and the weaknesses of the coverage. We’re trying to use our athleticism, use our youth and things that we understand.”
It’s clear that Chenal, the 23-year-old linebacker, has outperformed his role and is expected to showcase even more impressive feats in the upcoming season, lending stability to the Kansas City Chiefs. His consistent show of talent and growth positions him as an underrated asset for the team, bringing a promising future for both himself and the Chiefs.