The recent winning streak from the Kansas City Chiefs has the football world noticing and quickly adjusting their Super Bowl projections. The catalyst behind the wins has been the exceptional play from the defense, holding teams to minimal points in each of their last five games.
A bonus throughout the streak has been the reemergence of safety Juan Thornhill, who has shown signs of improvement in his return from an ACL injury that occurred almost two years ago. Since the injury, Thornhill has struggled to regain the elite form he showcased as a rookie in 2019. The Chiefs’ defensive back spoke about his versatility and improved play during Friday’s press conference.
”I’m looking to improve every single day,” Thornhill told reporters. “There are some things that I would say I would be better at, but guys are different in different ways. Like if you were to look at me, I would say I’m more of a rangy safety, sideline to sideline, but I’m always willing to work on different things like man coverage and things like that. So, we all pride ourselves in just being DBs, not a safety or cornerback. If a guy was to go down, hopefully, one day, I’ll get in there at cornerback. You never know. We just all pride ourselves on getting in on every play and putting ourselves into position.”
Thornhill, with the rest of the secondary, made things difficult for Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater last Sunday night. The third-year defensive back made a big play securing his first interception of the season and fifth overall of his career.
”I’m just trying to do my job, you know? When I’m on the field, I’m trying to make a play when it’s my time,” said Thornhill. “Each and every guy has to make, let’s say, three plays a game. When that play comes to you, just make that play. That’s all I’m trying to do. I’m not saying I’m better than anyone on our team because all of our guys are great guys in coverage; all of our guys can tackle and are all capable of making a big play. So, I’m just doing my job and wanting to have fun.”
A healthy and productive Thornhill in the Chiefs lineup adds another dynamic to the defense. He has Pro Bowl ability, and this streak could be the spark his career needed.