Chiefs 2015: This could be a great year in Kansas City

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Even without Dontari Poe, and with Sean Smith playing a more limited role ahead of his three-game suspension to start the season, the Kansas City defense has allowed a grand total of 773 yards this preseason (not counting special teams) and only three touchdowns. They have also notched two interceptions and forced three fumbles (though all three fumbles were recovered by the opponent).

That tells me that the Chiefs have some depth on defense. Something I was not sure of heading into the preseason. But as Arrowhead Addict’s own Lyle Graverson notes, the highest Pro Football Focus ranking for any defense back on the roster belongs to Tyvon Branch. A safety net guy who has been getting a lot less attention behind Marcus Peters or Phillip Gaines.

Graverson goes on to note that he believes that offensive line is the only position group on the team that is not playoff-ready. My first instinct was to reject that statement, but the more I thought about it, the more I agreed.

The Chiefs are not in the middle of a quarterback controversy. They are not going through rebuilding. They do not have to adjust to a new coaching staff and/or system. Both the first-string and backups have turned in good performances. There have been a few injuries since camp started, but nothing catastrophic.

The offensive line is the only spot on the team where you do not take a look at the talent and say “Yep, that group can compete.” By no means is the roster stacked with the most elite players from top to bottom, but it does not have to be.

Each side of the ball has an elite hallmark (Charles on the offense, and the pass rush on defense), and a supporting cast with enough talent and capability to make plays and keep the team in games. That is a great formula for success. And I am not the only one who thinks so.

Next: Will defense dominate at elite levels?