Having not seen the game in its entirety yet (stupid work), all I had to go on was the box score which was pretty impressive by itself. Thanks to your breakdown, it's obvious that he's come a long way in a short time. His recognition is exceptional in the majority of your examples and bodes well for him being trusted in a larger role moving forward. An awesome development as far as this Chiefs fan is concerned.
I love the physicality Bolton brings; he’s as close to a big hitter as the modern NFL will allow. In some ways he’s the opposite of Gay, who is wildly athletic but needs to learn to process better. Bolton has some physical limitations but at this point is smarter and faster to read the play. If they both progress even a little bit from where they are, and if they can stay healthy the linebacker group could become a strength instead of the liability it has been since DJ left.
4.46, 4.60, 4.74, 4.75. Anyone wanna guess which 40 times go with Gay, Hitchens, Bolton and Nieman? Gay is the obvious pick for the 4.46, but would you be surprised to know who posted the second best time of that group? That's right, Nick Bolton. Nieman posted the slowest time at 4.75. So why on God's green earth would Spags want to play Nieman over Bolton (yes, I get the experience angle)? Here's to hoping this game put all doubts to rest on this kid. He is a play-maker, and every snap he isn't on the field he doesn't have a chance to make a potentially significant impact.
P.S. - Seth, Bolton seems pretty fast to me in these videos. He is keeping up with the receivers and Ekler from what I can see. I guess I don't get all the "speed limitation" talk, but I will defer to your judgement. What is considered a good 40 time for a LB?
"The coaches have clearly seen that step forward mentally as well, given that they went with him over a pair of players they’ve consistently trusted in those roles in previous games."
Are we sure this is what that means? I hope so, but our coaching staff seems allergic to giving young guys more snaps over vets, even when they've exhibited those steps. I wouldn't be shocked to see his snap count go back down to normal next week in favor of Hitch and Niemann, with this week just being part of the game plan or something.
seth you keep delivering insightful and informative articles, just wish i would have known about your articles sooner. glad i ran across you on RGR football. thanks again for the great articles and keep them coming brother. GO CHIEFS #1 seed yeah
I’m so glad you included the 3rd from the last play. I was telling someone about this play and how much it impressed me. It doesn’t belong on any highlight reels, but it’s the kind of thing that Bolton wasn’t trusted to do (because he wasn’t doing it) early in the season. Preventing big plays is the name of the game, and plays like that do just that.
Do you think a team like Tampa Bay (Tom Brady) could exploit two young guns like Gay and Bolton?
Awesome article Seth. If possible in this longer time between games I'd love to see how the pass rush looked.
Having not seen the game in its entirety yet (stupid work), all I had to go on was the box score which was pretty impressive by itself. Thanks to your breakdown, it's obvious that he's come a long way in a short time. His recognition is exceptional in the majority of your examples and bodes well for him being trusted in a larger role moving forward. An awesome development as far as this Chiefs fan is concerned.
I love the physicality Bolton brings; he’s as close to a big hitter as the modern NFL will allow. In some ways he’s the opposite of Gay, who is wildly athletic but needs to learn to process better. Bolton has some physical limitations but at this point is smarter and faster to read the play. If they both progress even a little bit from where they are, and if they can stay healthy the linebacker group could become a strength instead of the liability it has been since DJ left.
Another awesome article — straight forward with the pluses & minuses. Thanks!
I don't know where you're getting your sub sandwiches at but buddy, paying $12 for a foot-long is highway robbery. What has happened to Minnesota?
He's beginning to play like he did at Mizzou when he got comfortable with the system......he'll get better
4.46, 4.60, 4.74, 4.75. Anyone wanna guess which 40 times go with Gay, Hitchens, Bolton and Nieman? Gay is the obvious pick for the 4.46, but would you be surprised to know who posted the second best time of that group? That's right, Nick Bolton. Nieman posted the slowest time at 4.75. So why on God's green earth would Spags want to play Nieman over Bolton (yes, I get the experience angle)? Here's to hoping this game put all doubts to rest on this kid. He is a play-maker, and every snap he isn't on the field he doesn't have a chance to make a potentially significant impact.
P.S. - Seth, Bolton seems pretty fast to me in these videos. He is keeping up with the receivers and Ekler from what I can see. I guess I don't get all the "speed limitation" talk, but I will defer to your judgement. What is considered a good 40 time for a LB?
"The coaches have clearly seen that step forward mentally as well, given that they went with him over a pair of players they’ve consistently trusted in those roles in previous games."
Are we sure this is what that means? I hope so, but our coaching staff seems allergic to giving young guys more snaps over vets, even when they've exhibited those steps. I wouldn't be shocked to see his snap count go back down to normal next week in favor of Hitch and Niemann, with this week just being part of the game plan or something.
Bolton is 26 tackles ahead of the next rookie (Parsons). What a great year for him.
seth you keep delivering insightful and informative articles, just wish i would have known about your articles sooner. glad i ran across you on RGR football. thanks again for the great articles and keep them coming brother. GO CHIEFS #1 seed yeah
Good to see a player like this improving and developing for the Chiefs. They desperately needed it.
One thing we knew we'd get from Bolton: when he hits you, you stay hit. And it's an absolute joy to watch.
I’m so glad you included the 3rd from the last play. I was telling someone about this play and how much it impressed me. It doesn’t belong on any highlight reels, but it’s the kind of thing that Bolton wasn’t trusted to do (because he wasn’t doing it) early in the season. Preventing big plays is the name of the game, and plays like that do just that.