Kansas City Chiefs' linebacker Nick Bolton has been a polarizing figure among Chiefs fans since being drafted in 2021. Bolton is a high-energy, high-motor player who can lay the wood to ball carriers. He is also highly intelligent and is instrumental in helping to get his teammates lined up correctly and calling plays.
Bolton was named to the 2021 PFWA All-Rookie Team and finished second in the NFL in total tackles in 2022 with 180. However, one of the biggest criticisms of Bolton is that he isn't good in coverage. Some people think he shouldn't be an every-down linebacker and that he should strictly be used against the run.
During Saturday's wildcard matchup with the Miami Dolphins, Bolton flipped the script on his critics. In 42 coverage snaps played, Bolton allowed just six receptions for 29 yards according to PFF.
That is a very good day in coverage for any NFL linebacker, especially against a high-powered and speedy offense like the one Miami boasts. When a catch was made, Bolton closed in quickly and took the Dolphins' pass catchers to the ground. As usual, he was also very good against the run and recorded 10 total tackles on the night.
Bolton has battled through injuries this season, which cost him a total of eight games. It took him some time to round back into form, but it appears that he's feeling good and is back to his old self. Bolton was a big part of K.C. winning the Super Bowl last year and they will need him to carry his momentum into next weekend as the Chiefs prepare to play in the divisional round.
More must-reads: