Active for all seven games this season, Lucas played a career-high 35 defensive snaps on Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons. His increased playing time came due to Upton Stout being inactive, and Lucas made the most of the opportunity.
Lucas earned an 81.0 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus against Atlanta—his personal best and the second-highest among his defensive teammates. He was targeted just twice and didn't allow a single catch.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan credited Lucas' preparation and energy for his standout performance.
"I mean, Chase works his butt off," Shanahan said. "You guys see his energy with how much he talks. But that's how he is all the time. He's so involved with everything. He can't stay still—in a good way. He's always talking about each play. He is so attentive, he's running around, and he's always banking reps even when he is not in.
"I think when Chase gets out there, it's just his awareness, how fast he can recognize things—the motions and stuff. He doesn't hesitate on what he does. There's zero hesitation. He shoots his guns, plays fast, and I think that's what gives him an advantage."
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh echoed Shanahan's praise, noting Lucas' versatility and vocal presence on the defense.
When asked what stands out about Lucas, Saleh said, "Football savvy, energy giver. He sees all the nuance in football, every little detail. He studies his butt off. He's the ultimate energy giver. He's giving juice to everybody. He's talking smack with everybody."
Of course, Lucas has embraced his role as a mentor for young players like Stout, a rookie.
"He's helping out Upton as much as he can to help him accelerate," Saleh added. "A young man who loves the game of football and everything that goes with it. A guy that, when he seizes his opportunity, he's taking advantage of it.
"The guy's out there, he plays corner, he plays nickel, he plays safety. It would be a disservice to try to explain how valuable he is. He's invaluable to this football team. He's awesome."
When asked if Lucas could play outside as easily as he does in the slot, Shanahan praised the cornerback's versatility as one of his most valuable traits.
"Yeah, he has to. There are only so many guys up," Shanahan explained. "We like him inside. We also like him at safety. But that's why we played him outside for a game in the preseason, to make sure he could do that. Chase can do it all."
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