4 sneaky threats the Panthers should worry about at the Chiefs

Daniel Sorensen – S

Tyrann Mathieu generates the majority of the headlines in the Chiefs secondary, but the steady rise to prominence of Daniel Sorensen cannot be overlooked at this juncture. The safety has come of age in 2020 and this is particularly evident in the games he’s started recently.

Sorensen has been a key component for the Chiefs in a rotational role. He anticipates quickly which is a trait almost essential for any successful player at the position. But he’s also demonstrated a real nous to be around the ball that has only heightened his overall influence.

The former BYU standout has amassed 47 combined tackles, 37 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, two interceptions, and one forced fumble this season. This has resulted in a creditable 59.0 grade from Pro Football Focus and providing he continues this trend going forward, it might result in a permanent place in the starting lineup.

There will be plenty on the player’s plate against the Carolina Panthers, who boast three prominent deep threats in Robby Anderson, D.J. Moore, and Curtis Samuel. Christian McCaffrey’s return will likely come with Kansas City stacking the box more often, which will put more pressure on Sorensen and Mathieu on the back end.

One would expect Carolina to take advantage of this early and often. But they should underestimate Sorensen at their peril.