Kansas City Chiefs: What will the run defense look like?

Sep 15, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) looks to the crowd before the game with the Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 17-16. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

While that view is not illogical, I am not sure it is correct. I have looked at what happened in the 2013 season. Both Johnson and DeVito were on the roster and both started almost every game (Johnson started 15 and DeVito 13). Johnson even earned a trip to the Pro Bowl after recording two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, seven passes defended,  4.5 sacks, 95 tackles, and 12 assists. That added fire power combined with the oft mentioned lower level of competition in the Chiefs’ early schedule that year means that the Kansas City run defense was way better, right?

Actually, think again. While there was a difference, it was not huge. The Chiefs still ranked in the lower end of the league in rushing defense, at 22nd, and allowed almost 2,000 yards on the ground (they gave up 1,923). That is an improvement of only six spots and 113 yards from the stats in 2014.

When I looked back a little further, I saw the Chiefs have not had a rushing defense that was ranked higher than that since 2010. And even then, a year where they won the division, they only ranked in the middle of the pack at 14th.

Johnson played in every one of those seasons, and yet the Kansas City generally had a less than stellar run defense. I certainly do not place that on Johnson’s back. He has been an exceptional player and a great asset for Chiefs. The point is that  Johnson’s presence alone does not bring the run defense into the top echelon.

And if that was not enough before, how likely is it that Kansas City gets a revitalized run defense relying on the return of two players who are over 30 years old and coming off season ending injuries?

So while I believe that the return of Johnson and DeVito will definitely be a boost to K.C.’s ability to stop the run, I question exactly how much improvement will show.  But I also question how much it needs to show?

Next: What's needed...