The Morning Fix: Chiefs News From Around The Web

“We’re getting some big-time plays from a couple of those young guys, specifically Justin and Allen Bailey,” Haley said.

Bailey has been mixing into the Chiefs sub-package rotation at defensive end throughout the season. Bailey and veteran defensive lineman Amon Gordon have each played pivotal roles in the defense re-finding its pass rush over the past two games.

Houston has aided in the rush as well, but has helped the defense improve on a down-to-down basis as well.

LB Derrick Johnson leads the Chiefs defense with 123 tackles and is on pace for 179 stops, a total that would be the highest single-season mark in team history. LB Tamba Hali has a team-high 7.0 sacks to tie for sixth in the AFC. Over the past two seasons, the Chiefs linebacker has tallied 21.5 sacks. The club has returned two interceptions for touchdowns, including one by CB Brandon Flowers and one by S Kendrick Lewis.

WR Dwayne Bowe leads the club with 55 receptions for 819 yards (14.9 avg.) with four touchdowns. He is on pace for a career-high 1,191 receiving yards. He needs 181 more yards to record his third career 1,000-yard season and his second-consecutive such campaign, becoming only the fourth player in team history to accomplish that feat.

Hudson made his first career start at left guard in place of injured starter Ryan Lilja (head) and Maneri jumped Gaither on the depth chart as a pass-eligible tackle in unbalanced formations.

“I thought overall he was definitely a bright spot,” Coach Todd Haley said of Hudson. “I thought he played as good as anybody up front and that’s going against a pretty difficult front seven.”

The Chiefs parted ways Tuesday with offensive tackle Jared Gaither, who joined the team during training camp as a free agent.

The move is a gamble for the Chiefs, because as of now, they have only three tackles — Branden Albert, Barry Richardson and Steve Maneri — on the roster. The offensive line has been a problem this season, and though Gaither rarely played, his departure creates a problem with depth.