Chiefs Defense Built For Games Like This

Last year, the Chiefs lost to the San Diego Chargers twice, but could have gone 2-0 in those meetings. The second matchup was somewhat an anomaly, as Kansas City started mostly backups and came within a last-second field goal of winning anyway.

The first meeting was interesting though, because the Chiefs led 7-3 when Tamba Hali hurt his ankle, and then 14-3 when Justin Houston dislocated his elbow. Without much pressure in his face afterward, Phillip Rivers drove the Chargers to a score in the last minute of the first half, and eventually the last minute of the game. Chargers won in a shootout.

Too much stake should not be taken comparing games from one year to the next – rosters and schedules change – but it is of note how the game turned once both pass rushers left. The difference this year, hopefully, is both will be on the field the entire game Sunday – with some help.

More from Arrowhead Addict

• Multiple Chiefs execs mentioned as strong GM candidates in 2024
• Former Chiefs cornerback in legal trouble in Las Vegas
• Chiefs Kingdom: Get ready to break contract news
• Chiefs news: Travis Kelce wants to host fan ‘chug-off’ in Germany
• Podcast: Breaking down the Chiefs biggest roster battles

This season the defensive pass rush has been more effective, by design. Through five games the Chiefs have amassed a 23.7 Pro Football Focus pass rush rating, compared to 37.7 through all of last year. Switching out defensive ends Tyson Jackson and Mike DeVito (injury withstanding) with Allen Bailey and Jaye Howard has generated more interior pressure to go along with Houston and Hali on the outside. Dontari Poe is the control, and should have a big game against an offensive line mired in disarray.

Jackson last year racked up a 6.7 rush defense grade on PFF, compared to a -2 pass rush rating. DeVito clogged run lanes for a 16.3 rating, but graded -3.3 as a pass rusher. Bailey is third on the team right now with 2.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries, and a 2.4 pass rush grade. Howard has no sacks, but four hurries in the last three games (0.4 pass rush grade). Neither has a positive run defense grade.

San Diego has struggled to effectively block the run or pass, averaging 2.9 yards per rush while giving up nine sacks and 60 quarterback hurries. Rivers has led his team this season by maneuvering in the pocket and making plays with his arm and feet. He is playing at an MVP level, even though four of the Chargers’ wins came against the Bills, Jets, Raiders, and Jaguars. In the win against Seattle, San Diego capitalized on a fumbled kickoff return and a late hit on a third-down to score touchdowns.

Sep 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (left) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Owens (right) and Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Phillip Gaines (bottom) during a game at Sun Life Stadium. Chiefs won 34-15. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Chiefs defense should be effective in all facets of its game Sunday if the defensive backs can cover, which will be no easy task. Sean Smith hasn’t done a bad job as the team’s top corner, but Marcus Cooper has seen his share of struggle as a full-time starter. Still somewhat new to the position, I think there is upside to his game.  With Chris Owens possibly out, rookie Phillip Gaines may get his first start as a slot corner. He has the length and speed to be effective, but struggled in the preseason. It will be interesting to see how Gaines/Owens fairs against Eddie Royal, as well as whoever Cooper is matched up with, be it Malcolm Floyd or Keenan Allen.

The biggest threat though, will probably be the coverage of Antonio Gates. In the past, Eric Berry has drawn the assignment of defending the tight end in man coverage, to mixed results. However, Berry has not played since week two, and may still miss this week. How defensive coordinator Bob Sutton decides to cover Gates could play a big role in the outcome of this all-important divisional matchup.