Ron Parker settled into his cornerback’s stance, eyeing his target. Unbeknownst to Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, one of the Chiefs’ most versatile defenders was about to pounce.
This was Sunday, the first quarter of the Chiefs’ 23-17 win over Oakland, and Parker was lined up across from receivers Amari Cooper and Seth Roberts on a third-down play. There was no other corner within 8 yards, and Parker took a step back before the snap, an indication he might be dropping into zone coverage.
Nope.
Instead, defensive coordinator Bob Sutton sent Parker on a blitz. He looped around the left tackle, the long way, and Carr fled the pocket by sprinting toward the right sideline.