Kansas City Chiefs LB Leo Chenal put the rest of the league on notice in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. His performance in Super Bowl 58 wasn't an aberration, it was only the beginning of what was to come.
The loss of Willie Gay Jr. in free agency to the New Orleans Saints left a bit of a hole in Steve Spagnuolo's defense. Chenal filled the gap in Week 1, both metaphorically and literally. Business was booming for "Death Row" as the NFL season got underway, with Chenal's performance at the forefront due to the season-opener against the Ravens. He amassed seven total tackles, two passes broken up, and a t
ackle for loss. He was credited with three stops, three QB pressures, and only allowed one reception for one yard.
"Leo (Chenal) was all over the place," Chiefs HC Andy Reid said. "We had him spying on the quarterback and that’s a challenge in itself, he’s a really good football player and moves around quite a little bit."
The third-year linebacker out of Wisconsin made a tangible impact in multiple facets of the game. His 48 defensive snaps were the second-most snaps he played in a single game in his career, hinting at a much more substantial role in Kansas City for the 2024 NFL season than he had a season ago.
Chenal's versatility shined in Week 1 vs. the Ravens
Chenal did a lot during his first game of the 2024 NFL season, and that didn't go unrecognized by his defensive teammates.
“He did a really good job. We ask a lot from Leo (Chenal)," Chiefs DT Chris Jones said. "We ask him to play 3-tech (technique) in certain formations. We ask him to play rover. We ask him to be an outside rusher. It just goes to show how durable Leo is for this defense.”
We didn't get to see Chenal playing three-technique, but he showcased the type of power and strength that shouldn't make you doubt Jones' comments. This play showcased by KSHB-TV's Nick Jacobs resulted in a TD because of horrible coverage from a fellow linebacker, but the strength Chenal showed coming off the edge makes him a serious threat as a pass-rusher.
Perhaps the most impressive feat was the work that Chenal did spying Ravens' dynamic QB Lamar Jackson. He didn't let the former league MVP beat the Chiefs with his legs, especially in key moments like this third down shared by Arrowhead Pride's Caleb James.
In total, Chenal lined up in five different positions in the box, two different positions on the defensive line, and as an overhang defender in the slot on Thursday. He didn't look out of place in any particular role. Instead, he looked like a blossoming superstar player on the defensive side of the ball who can be a mismatch nightmare for opponents.
