The NFL’s football operations page announced all Week 8 fines on November 2, and two players were penalized for actions that occurred during the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
On the Chiefs’ side of things, cornerback Joshua Williams was fined $6,398 for what NFL football operations described as “unnecessary roughness (late hit).” The play in question took place in the third quarter.
Earlier in the game in quarter two, Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett committed what was deemed to be a different form of unnecessary roughness — a hip-drop tackle. He was fined a similar amount as Williams, forfeiting $6,227.
These were the only two NFL fines for Chiefs versus Raiders.
Joshua Williams Expected to Play Larger Role in Week 9 With Chiefs Short-handed at Cornerback
The Chiefs are already without starting cornerback Jaylen Watson for the remainder of the regular season, but head coach Andy Reid also ruled out Nazeeh Johnson (concussion) for Week 9 on November 2. That means Williams will likely be called upon to start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I thought there were some really good downs,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said of Johnson and Williams’ respective performances in Week 8.
Having said that, he did specifically highlight Williams’ penalty as an area that KC would like to clean up. “I think both those guys could probably play better and I think they’d probably tell you that,” Spagnuolo voiced, seemingly challenging his young CBs once again.
According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson was on the field for 18 defensive snaps before his injury, while Williams played the other 39 defensive snaps. Both graded out pretty well in run defense and tackling, but Williams had moments where he struggled in coverage.
PFF charged him with a 118.8 passer rating allowed despite only being targeted once. He allowed a 17-yard reception on that target, and also drew the penalty flag that Spagnuolo mentioned.
“I’m going into my third year, so there is definitely some experience now that comes with it,” Williams told reporters on October 31 (via Arrowhead Pride). “Had this been my rookie year, it could have been a more difficult adjustment.”
The third-year corner also noted that “the staff does a great job of keeping everybody ready,” adding: “I feel like I’ve been ready for this opportunity, and I’m going to make the most of it.”
