The Chiefs scoring ceiling, Hall for Jamaal, a defensive D and the NGU
By Laddie Morse
Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates a sack during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Chiefs 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Have the Chiefs developed a Defensive Defense?
There are some meanings of “defensive” that have me wondering if the Chiefs have regressed in 2015.
defensive [dih-fen-siv]
1. serving to defend
2. made or carried on for the purpose of resisting attack: a defensive attitude
a. able to provide moderately steady growth with minimal risk
b. considered stable and relatively safe for investment
3. excessively concerned with guarding against criticism
I guess the irony is that what the Chiefs defense has become this year is rooted in the very definition of “defensive.” Instead of the “attacking” style defense we were promised.
Many times over the course of Andy Reid’s tenure, my response has so often been similar: why is he waiting to pull out all the stops? Boy oh boy, I sure wasn’t thinking that when they faced the Colts in the playoffs two years ago. But that’s part of the point… it’s as if Reid and defensive coordinator Bob Sutton are waiting until the “right time” to show their hand. So that’s what I’ve often believed… that they didn’t want to show their hand in a regular season game thereby giving away all the best tricks up their collective sleeves.
Instead, this year, something else is going on.
When analyzing the evolution of this year’s group of defensive players it’s clear that Jaye Howard, Allen Bailey and Dontari Poe are a strength. In the meantime, given Sean Smith’s 3 game suspension and the anticipated learning curve for rookie CB Marcus Peters… it’s reasonable that Bob Sutton may have been planning on keeping fewer rushers rushing the QB and keeping more coverage players back to cover the opposition’s receivers.
From a fan’s perspective it’s been incredibly frustrating to watch as the front three, plus either Tamba Hali or Justin Houston, have not been able to put consistent pressure on opposing QBs. And, without checking, I am fairly sure the rate of receptions for other teams is higher than it was last year.
If the Chiefs are going anywhere this year, they must get back to mixing in their blitz packages with greater frequency… at the very minimum to keep other teams off balance… no matter how good the “defensive” coordinator thinks his front seven is.
When the season began, I was looking forward with great anticipation to an “aggressive” style defense. I hope they get back to that pronto. London Sunday would not be too soon.
Next: Do the Chiefs Have the Royals “Never Give Up” Attitude?