Chiefs failures: Looking at the defense

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Defensive Backs

Getting Sean Smith back has not been the huge boost we were hoping for. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Smith deserves every ounce of criticism you can throw his way right now. Not just because of his suspension, but because he hasn’t been the shutdown player we needed him to be upon his return. Smith was getting beaten pretty handily by Marquess Wilson. That should never be the case. Smith has yet to show that physical style of defense that made him one of the top defenders in the league last year.

His opposite number, Marcus Peters has earned a good deal of praise this year, but in recent weeks, he has actually struggled a bit more. Teams are starting to attack him more, trying to take advantage of rookie mistakes. Peters looks to have a great future ahead of him, but he needs to focus on tightening up his game. If he had done that against Chicago, at least one of those fourth quarter touchdowns might have been avoided.

But the corners are not alone…or maybe they are. Has anyone heard from Ron Parker this year? The Chiefs paid him this year, and so far he is not showing that the investment was worthwhile. He still struggles with tackling cleanly, and his recognition remains a beat slow. I could overlook this if he were making some big plays, but he isn’t.

Next to Parker, Eric Berry has made his return to the starting spot. Berry started off the season a little timidly, though that is certainly understandable. However, he has started coming on a little stronger the past couple of weeks. Hopefully he will return to his former self and start making some big time plays to breathe some life back into this defense.