Strong play from Chiefs defense in all phases highlights second day of padded practice
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off day two of padded practices, with one of the noticeable takeaways being the play of Steve Spagnuolo's defense.
The consensus from players in post-practice media availability was the consistent communication between veterans and rookies.
Fourth-year defensive back Trent McDuffie has already taken notice of the positive impact the increased communication has had within the DB room. He detailed that it has helped in learning and executing this year's scheme and playbook.
"The defensive back room (this year), I feel like has a lot of lifelong learners, people who truly want to help each other," McDuffie said. "Not a lot of egos, when it comes to certain guys competing for certain positions. It's all love. New guys are bought in, the rookies are bought in. I feel like I've learned this defense much quicker compared to last year's group because theirs so much help and communication."
Among the team leaders, longtime veteran staple Mike Pennel has played a pivotal role in helping bring along the new members of the Chiefs.
Pennel credited his experience in leading others to the tutelage he received from the veterans he studied earlier in his career with the Green Bay Packers.
"I had great vets in Green Bay," Pennel said. "Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers, B.J. Raji and Nick Perry, they helped my career. Those guys were at the top of their game. They really took me under their wing. They didn't view me as an undrafted free agent. They let me work with them outside the facility, told us how to play and how not to do things. It was really easy & I really appreciated them."
Pennel also added that from top to bottom, everyone on Kansas City's roster for the 2025-26 season is focused on the same goal.
"When you come in and see guys at that level who are pillars to the franchise like Travis (Kelce) and Pat (Mahomes) getting extra work, it's really easy to be immersed," Pennel said. "Everybody has been leading by example."
