New England Patriots: Under-the-Radar Performers for Kansas City Who Could Have a Huge Impact Monday Night
By Hal Bent
Cornerback Sean Smith:
Aug 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith (21) intercepts a pass and runs in for a touchdown during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Sean Smith is another familiar face for quarterback Tom Brady as the longtime Dolphins cornerback has been known for using his size (six-foot-three and 215 pounds) and speed and agility to slow down longtime New England slot receiver Wes Welker. Smith is coming off a huge game against his former team last week as he was forced by the coaching staff to re-earn his starting role after starting training camp with the second team defense. With the secondary still missing Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry, Smith led them last week by bouncing back with just two receptions allowed on eight passes his way holding Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a 42.7 quarterback rating on passes his way.
With Brady’s top target now slot receiver Julian Edelman–whose game is very similar to that of Welker–it will interesting to see if Smith draws the job of covering the short and shifty slot receiver. Smith missed out on another rematch with Welker in week two against the Broncos and had spent most of the game in coverage of Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas. No matter where he is on the field, Brady will have to find his old friend Smith lines up as he has been Kansas City’s best pass defender to date in 2014.