Locked on Chiefs: Who needs to step up on defense?
By Ryan Tracy
With the Chiefs having announced their dates for training camp in St. Joseph, the team finds itself in a situation where several players need to step up for this defense to succeed in 2017.
At the top of the list is defensive lineman Chris Jones. Andy Reid, John Dorsey in the team to put a lot of faith in Jones during this offseason evidenced by their letting Dontari Poe and Jaye Howard leave the team.
The Chiefs will need Jones to take a step forward in both his run defense as well as pressuring the quarterback. Jones showed flashes in 2016 particularly against the pass in making some impact when rushing the passer. The team will need him to be more stout against the run at the five technique as well as be more productive when in the four-man front, which he should be heavily used in. Even with the addition of Bennie Logan, Jones should be the top player on this defensive line in 2017. If he’s unable to do that, the defense will have trouble stopping playoff-caliber teams.
With Derrick Johnson back on the field and looking like he’ll be prepared for training camp, the inside linebacker that must take a step forward in his play is Ramik Wilson. Wilson progressed after having been cut in 2016 early on to come back and start later in the season. But that progression can’t rest on what he’s already accomplished. He has to improve at recognition and taking on blocks. The team has to hope that he’s more comfortable in that position starting next to Derrick Johnson and that he’s able to take that step.
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