Three Questions: Kansas City Chiefs Linebackers

Jan 4, 2014; Newport Beach, CA, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive end Dee Ford (30) during the BCS National Championship Media Day at Newport Beach Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

How will the Chiefs handle the outside linebacker rotation?

The game at the NFL level has changed in the sense that stopping the pass has to be a higher priority than stopping the run. Rule changes, advanced passing schemes, and elite quarterbacks have changed the way the game is played on both offense and defense. As a result, focusing on pass rush tends to be a better idea than stopping the run.

In an effort to improve the pass rush the Chiefs let Tyson Jackson walk, signed Vance Walker, and drafted Dee Ford. The hope would be that with the addition of Ford the Chiefs can improve the pass rushing rotation amongst the linebackers. The issue is that beyond Ford there is not much left in terms of pass rushers.

Kansas City did retain Frank Zombo and James Michael-Johnson, but neither was able to do much as pass rusher last season. The Chiefs also did not add another pass rusher at linebacker in free agency or in the later rounds of the draft. There was some thought Mike Catapano would be one of those outside linebacker threats but it is clear the Chiefs are transitioning him to the offensive line.

Improving the pass rush from the sub linebackers is going to be key to the Chiefs improving in year two of the Andy Reid era. Who steps up and improves is going to be interesting to watch at camp.