Seven Reasons To Believe In The Kansas City Chiefs
Nov 16, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 24-20. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Reason 3: The Kansas City Chiefs Have One Of The NFL’s Best Pass Rushes
The Kansas City Chiefs defense is proving to be a good, all-around unit. They are allowing just 17.1 points per game, which is second lowest in all of the NFL. That’s impressive by itself but when you consider that the teams KC has faced are averaging a combined 22.6 points per game and that they have faced two of the five highest scoring teams in the NFL in Denver and New England, it’s even better. While there are multiple facets to the Chiefs’ defensive success, the heart and soul of the unit is its pass rush.
The Chiefs are currently tied for third in the NFL in sacks with 30 on the season. That’s an average of three per game. That’s not too shabby considering that four of the teams that they have faced (Denver, New England, San Diego and Seattle) are in the top half of the league in sacks allowed. The entire front four for KC has done a good job of constantly providing pressure on the QB. Tamba Hali has five sacks, Dontari Poe has five sacks, and the recently re-signed Allen Bailey has four sacks. While those three have all been vital to the Chiefs pass rush, it is Justin Houston who has been the dominant player of the group.
Houston has 12 sacks on the season in 10 games. That puts him on pace for 19 for the season. That would put him just one sack shy of Derrick Thomas’ Chiefs record of 20 sacks in a single season. Houston has been an unstoppable force who, at times, excels at putting pressure on the QB with both speed and power. He’s also good against the run and can even drop into coverage when needed. The Chiefs are going to have to open up the checkbook and pay this man and the sooner the better.
Next: Click here to find out if you should believe in KC's run defense.