Chiefs road to the Super Bowl: Attack the Passer
By Ryan Tracy
Its possibly the single most important aspect of a winning franchise and the Kansas City Chiefs have been good at it for a long time.
Rushing the passer is a tradition in Kansas City.
Justin Houston, to all outward appearances and statements, seems to be not he road to playing in 2016. The question of when is the troublesome part. Could he miss the bulk of the seasons and try to return for a playoff run? Could he be back to 100 percent in the first quarter of the season? Its too early to know unless you’re seeing his progress on a daily basis. Even when he does return, attaining “football shape” is a process, even for a pro bowler like Houston.
Fortunately, the Chiefs have Tamba Hali and Dee Ford to prove bookend attacks on opposing quarterbacks. They can be effective while the team waits for Houston to be good to go.
On the Check with Me Podcast this week, we talk through the possibilities for the Kansas City pass rushers beyond Tampa Hali and Dee Ford. Here’s the show:
You can subscribe tot he show on iTunes, Stitcher, Podbean or Google Play.
However, there is a serious question that needs answering. With Houston out, how can the team attack the quarterback if Hali or Ford were to be injured?
The team needs to have a fourth pass rusher that can be productive in putting pressure on the passer. There will be more options before the regular season, but the team is betting on the limited current roster. For now.
Warrior Z
The most likely option to back up Hali/Ford while Houston is out is veteran Frank Zombo. Zombo has experience at every linebacker spot in the Sutton system and can step into the role to OLB fairly easily.
Zombo has proven to be a solid but unspectacular backup on the outside. He was successful down the stretch last season and made several plays, but is not a factor that teams will need to scheme for.
Welcome to the NFL
John Dorsey spent on a low-round draft pick on an edge rusher that could be in position to back up Hali/Ford. Dad Nicolas played downhill at Virginia Tech, amassing 25 TFL and 11 sacks in the last two seasons in Blacksburg.
He’s come into the Chiefs’ rookie mini camp having worked with noted pass rush mentor Chuck Smith. When asked about what he’s worked on, Nicolas replied “I was able to grow my IQ, learn a whole lot more about the position and pass rush.”
That’s something significant to build on, especially as Nicolas has developed a secondary pass rush option that is critical at the professional level. “Speed. After that? Spin.” He’ll need to bring those skills along for both his sake and the sake of his team. The rookie likely has the ability to make contribution while Justin Houston is out.
Rough Diamonds?
Beyond Zombo and Nicolas the Chiefs have brought in a number of journeymen at outside linebacker. Jonathan Massaquoi, Andy Malumba and Efe Obada are all defensive end type converts that will be trying to shift to outside linebacker. All face an uphill battle, but could make the roster on special teams. The final cut downs at this training camp will be a knock-down, drag out fight to the finish.
Out of the Blue
In the NFL, fortunes change on a dime and one team’s cut is another’s gold. Just ask Ron Parker and Jaye Howard. There is always the possibility that a quality player is cut from another franchise and could be claimed by John Dorsey. Stranger things have happened.
This is going out on a limb, but there is one more intriguing scenario. If Hali/Ford need to be spelled, you could see the Chiefs top draft pick get a chance. Chris Jones showed some potential at rushing the edge (as well as every other position along the defensive front). Should the team need a spark from another pass rusher, Jones could be serviceable on the outside in the Chiefs’ four-man front. With the rotation in front of him, getting him on the field in another capacity could pay off.
What do you think, Addicts? Who can step into the backup role while Justin Houston is out?