Kansas City Veteran Additions Will Prove To Be Playoff X Factors

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Each and every year, we see depth and role players step up when the playoff lights are on. These players may not have been perfect or consistent throughout the course of the regular season. On top of that, their production and bright spots may be extremely limited entering the playoffs. There are going to be plenty of unsung heroes that boost their team’s Super Bowl chances, however.

That could very well be the case for the Kansas City Chiefs. While a lot of those previous points, like limited production, could apply, the Chiefs could benefit from some different skill sets. Kansas City overhauled their roster in a variety of ways entering the 2022 season. As a result, they have been able to piece together added and fresh wrinkles to their attack, both offensively and defensively.

With that in mind, we have identified some veteran additions that could make a greater impact for the Chiefs in the playoffs, compared to their full regular season impact. All of these players were new to Kansas City this season. And for the most part, all of these veteran additions bring past playoff experience to this current Chiefs playoff run. Which names could stand out as possible playoff x factors? Let’s kick it off.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Overall, Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been very similar to what he was with the Green Bay Packers. His production comes and goes quite frequently. His catches are usually consisting in the intermediate to deep passing game. Furthermore, there are going to be plays where MVS leaves you wanting more. That may be due to inconsistent body control at the catch point, a lack of separation at times or occasional drops. If anything, his route tree may be a bit more expansive in Kansas City than it was in Green Bay.

Where Valdes-Scantling can be the most dangerous in the playoffs, lies in his vertical stretch ability. Sure, he can be effective on comeback routes, crossing routes and out routes. Valdes-Scantling has always looked more comfortable in the vertical passing game, though.

The speed that Valdes-Scantling possesses is rare for his size and height. That goes for both his short area quickness and long speed. In short areas, Valdes-Scantling is sneaky good with his ability to uncover with sharp cuts. Whereas with his long speed, he can outrace anyone in the open field if he wants to. If the Chiefs can bait defenses into focusing on short to intermediate routes, Valdes-Scantling could break free and hit on some deep shots for Kansas City in the playoffs.

Justin Reid

Justin Reid entered this season with major shoes to fill. With what Tyrann Mathieu was able to accomplish in Kansas City, Reid was faced with massive expectations. It is probably fair to say that he left a lot to be desired during the first half of the season. But over the course of the last month or so, Reid has quietly been airtight in seemingly every facet of his game.

His tackling has punished opponents. His range is popping up more when covering in the deep thirds of the field. On top of that, you are beginning to see that same versatility that Reid displayed heavily in Houston. Kansas City has begun to utilize him here and there as a blitzer. At the same time, Reid is getting to move around the defensive formation and simply read and react in space more often.

The Stanford product has grown into a true leader and voice inside of the Chiefs defense. With that in mind, Kansas City can hope that the younger defensive backs learn from both his play and his words. When it is all said and done, Justin Reid has a chance to finish his first season in Kansas City with his hottest stretch of the year. And that could extend into the playoffs.

Carlos Dunlap

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If you look up consistent depth player in the dictionary, Carlos Dunlap‘s picture should be next to it. This defensive end did not join the Chiefs until the summer, the latter stages of the offseason. Yet, Dunlap was right in line with his production from the last couple of years with the Seattle Seahawks. Dunlap finished the 2022 season with 39 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, eight passes defensed, six tackles for loss, four sacks and a forced fumble. To boot, he registered a healthy 20 pressures and seven quarterback hurries.

Dunlap is the quintessential defensive end for the scheme of Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. He has the length. He has the heavy hands at the point of attack. But beyond those qualifiers, Dunlap is incredibly efficient in his get off at the snap, while also encompassing a wide array of pass rush counter moves. Simply put, Dunlap can offer many different pass rush plans in order to get after the quarterback. Combine that with his tremendous mix of production as a depth player and his football IQ, and the Chiefs can rely on Dunlap in many different areas during the playoffs.

Smaller Scale Names

Even though those previous names can fly under the radar from time to time, there are a few other Chiefs veteran additions that could spark energy in the playoffs. These players are likely going to see even less opportunities than the trio of Valdes-Scantling, Reid and Dunlap. Kansas City may benefit from sporadic jolts from names like Justin Watson, Brandon Williams and even Ronald Jones.

Watson has been a polarizing name as of late, due to drops. However, we know how much Patrick Mahomes likes Watson since he became a veteran addition last offseason. His long catch in the regular season finale may be a glimpse of what he could provide in the playoffs, even if it is just for a handful of catches during the postseason.

Finally, Williams was added late in the regular season. He can plug gaps, defend against the run and provide immediate penetration upfront. His experience under Kansas City defensive line coach Joe Cullen is also noteworthy as a rotational piece. Jones has not been active for many games. Nevertheless, his gritty, slashing running style could be beneficial for the Chiefs during this specific Kansas City playoff run.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.