Kansas City Chiefs: 7 Thoughts on Week 4’s Monday Night Mauling
By Brett Gering
4. Justin Houston and Tamba Hali Make Chaos Look Beautiful
Sep 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) celebrates after the Chiefs recovered a fumble during the second half against the New England Patriots at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
OK, that sounds too akin to some “perfect imperfection <3” Facebook cover. Artistic anarchy—that sounds better.
Let’s start with this: There’s little doubt in my mind that Houston and Hali could punk a Transformer. Snap the ball; the two would club, rip and bull rush their way through junkyards until Optimus Prime curled into the fetal position.
It’s not that Dee Ford isn’t worthy of playing time. In a meager 26 snaps, the rookie has notched a quarterback hit, hurry and tackle for loss. He just happens to sit behind the league’s preeminent pass-rushing duo.
With one quarter of the season in the archives, Houston is PFF’s No. 3 3-4 outside linebacker; Hali is No. 5. The two have combined for 15 quarterback hurries, eight sacks and three forced fumbles.
If Arrowhead is the Sea of Red, Hali and Houston are its sharks.