Ascension of LBs Nick Bolton, Willie Gay vital to Chiefs expected rise on D – The Athletic

Together, Nick Bolton and Willie Gay know they are capable of being a perfect combination.

As linebackers, Bolton and Gay are expected this season to anchor the Chiefs defense, a unit that will rely on several youthful defenders. Bolton, a second-year player at age 22, is the Chiefs new middle linebacker, someone who is direct, both in how he communicates and tackles opposing ball carriers. At 24, Gay, a third-year player, is wildly athletic. He is perhaps the defenses second-most exuberant player (behind star defensive tackle Chris Jones) who can produce flashy highlights alongside Boltons impressive consistency.

The rest of the Chiefs observed such qualities from the linebackers last month during the final phase of the teams offseason practices, including the mandatory minicamp. Next to one another, Bolton and Gay had several strong repetitions, often on back-to-back occasions. Together, Bolton and Gay realize their teamwork in the middle of the field could be critical to the defenses success, which could be a testament to their blossoming relationship.

It feels like were brothers, Gay said last month. Thats how we treat each other, how we interact. On that field, we just keep the energy flowing.

Later this month, the Chiefs will open their annual training camp at Missouri Western States campus in St. Joseph, Mo. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo hopes to see in camp what he watched last month, which included Bolton intercepting a pass from superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was targeting star tight end Travis Kelce. With Mahomes throwing the ball into the linebackers coverage often, the unit will get the opportunity to make more such plays in camp, even when the practices include pads. Thats because this era of the NFL, a pass-happy league, requires linebackers to be strong enough to tackle ball carriers and yet skilled enough to disrupt an opponents aerial attack.

If Bolton and Gay can accomplish such objectives, the Chiefs know they will have one of the leagues best linebacking duos.

I know Pat is making me better, Bolton said last month. I like to compete against him, Travis Kelce and the receivers we just got in. I definitely feel Im trending in the right direction, but I still have a long way to go.

I want to be in a (condition) where I can go sideline to sideline. Im kind of like where I was weight-wise last season (232 pounds), so Im just going to continue to get in better shape as we go along.

The onus for how well the Chiefs linebackers perform this season, for better or worse, is on Bolton and Gay. The team began its offseason in late February by releasing veteran linebacker Anthony Hitchens, a move that cleared $8.4 million in salary-cap space. Hitchens, an eighth-year veteran, was a team captain and the Chiefs most experienced linebacker, an integral member of the teams championship run in 2019. He also spent last season mentoring Bolton and Gay.

As a rookie, Bolton exceeded the Chiefs expectations of him, as he led the team with 112 tackles, including 11 tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

He picked up right where Hitch left off, Gay said of Bolton. Every week, hes growing as a (middle) linebacker, as a leader. I know Im older than him, but we both feed off of each other. Hes doing a great job.

Meanwhile, Gays athleticism was an added element that helped the Chiefs defense improve from its sluggish start in September and October.

Last season, though, the two players werent on the field much for one of the sports more critical moments: third down. Just nine percent of Boltons snaps occurred on third down (57 from his 624 total), while Gays tally was just seven percent (32 snaps of his total 437), according to TruMedia.

Bolton and Gay are expected to be on the field together more on third down this season. Coach Andy Reid believes the teams offseason practices, and the upcoming practices in camp, are crucial for linebackers to enhance their techniques and spatial awareness in coverage.

I think both of them are much more comfortable with what were doing right now than what they were at the beginning of last year, Reid said last month. Thats where you see linebackers make a little jump from their first year into their second and third year. They get all these reps with the pass game, and I think thatll help (Bolton) down the road rounding off his game. And hes attacking it like crazy right now. Hes really put a lot of effort into that.

Both linebackers understand they can become better playmakers by generating more interceptions.

Gay, in 12 games last season, couldve led the Chiefs in the statistic. He produced 48 tackles, four pass breakups and just two interceptions. But he dropped a pass from Teddy Bridgewater, the former Denver Broncos quarterback, while in zone coverage. Gay was also close to intercepting a short pass from Dallas Cowboys star quarterback Dak Prescott, one he might have returned for a touchdown.

Bolton also had a few balls that got away.

I had a couple of opportunities late in the season, two of them against Cincinnati, I believe, that I couldve brought in, Bolton said.

The game Bolton referenced was the Chiefs final game last season, their disheartening collapse in the AFC Championship Game to the Cincinnati Bengals, who won in overtime after rallying from an 18-point deficit.

Late in the first quarter, during the Bengals second drive, Bolton almost made a diving interception on a short pass that was dropped by tight end CJ Uzomah. Early in the fourth quarter, with the score tied, Bengals star Joe Burrow scrambled to his right before throwing an ill-advised pass. After sliding to the turf as a measure to ensure he stayed away from the sideline Bolton tracked the ball as it came his way. But the ball slipped through Boltons hands, falling to the turf. With his head bowed, Bolton grabbed the ball and squeezed it with both hands in frustration. Both of the Bengals drives ended with them scoring on a field goal, six points that proved to be pivotal.

That probably couldve changed the game, Bolton said of his missed interceptions. Im just working on those things, getting on the Jugs (machine). Not everything is going to be perfect, so when you get opportunities presented to you, youve got to make them.

In addition to the two linebackers switching positions this season Bolton from weakside to middle and Gay from strongside to weakside they also have a new position coach. Brendan Daly, the longtime defensive line assistant, replaced Matt House, who became LSUs defensive coordinator. Daly wanted to evolve and challenge himself as a coach and felt he also offered Spagnuolo a bit of continuity with already having a relationship with Bolton and Gay.

Hes one of those people that the more youre around them, the more impressed you become with them, Daly said last month of Bolton. Hes grown from a mental, communication and leadership standpoint. Its been really fun to watch. Its pretty amazing the amount that hes handling at such a young age.

Daly added of Gay: Weve seen some jump from Willie, for sure, from a leadership and football standpoint. Hes able to do multiple things at this point. He moves really well. His energy at practice is great.

One example was last month, when Bolton intercepted Mahomes. Gay was the most demonstrative on the field as the defenders celebrated Boltons highlight, as he pumped his fist several times. Later in the same practice during a red-zone period, Gay danced in the back of the end zone after the defense prevented the offense from scoring a touchdown.

Ive always been like that, Gay said, smiling. I love making plays myself, but Ive never been selfish. When I see other guys make plays, I act like its me making the play. I call myself the Juice Man for a reason, so I can give the defense some energy. Thats how I approach it.

Bolton and Gay are optimistic that practicing against Mahomes, the leagues most talented quarterback, will be beneficial for them when they drop into coverage.

Of course, Mahomes responded to Boltons interception by completing a strike to Kelce in the intermediate part of the field against the linebackers coverage. The following week, in a seven-on-seven period, Mahomes exceptional pass left Gay stunned. While scrambling to the right, Mahomes used his eyes to manipulate Gay, who was in zone coverage, and urge him to move toward the sideline before throwing a perfect no-look pass in the middle of the field to receiver Josh Gordon. After the repetition, Mahomes celebrated by strutting off the field. Gay demonstrated his amazement and frustration by looking at Mahomes and standing in the exact spot he was in before Mahomes released the ball.

The good thing for me is my quarterback, I feel, is better than all of them, Gay said. When I take pieces away from practice and I use it in a game, it makes it easier, because I know if Patrick is going to throw this no-look (pass), I know this (opposing quarterback) is going to stare (the opposing receiver) down and throw it right to him.

And if such a play occurs this season, the Chiefs hope the Juice Man, or his football brother, will give the rest of the defense energy with a takeaway.

(Photo of Willie Gay and Nick Bolton: Denny Medley / USA Today)

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Ascension of LBs Nick Bolton, Willie Gay vital to Chiefs expected rise on D - The Athletic