Chiefs defensive line: 2016 stat projections

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Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Allen Bailey (97) is congratulated by nose tackle Dontari Poe (92) after sacking San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) (not pictured) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

With my first installment of the 2016 Kansas City Chiefs stat projections for the defense, I am tackling the KC defensive line this week.

Last year, Kansas City’s big boys up front played well for the most part throughout the grueling 16 game NFL regular season and into the first two rounds of the playoffs as well.

Let’s start with my player by player breakdown of the guys that are back from last year’s Chiefs’ defensive front. Former Seattle Seahawk Jaye Howard enjoyed the best season of his young NFL career, racking up 57 combined tackles and posting 5.5 sacks in his 13 starts at his defensive end position.

While Howard’s huge year was a bit of a surprise to fans and the rest of the league, veteran Allen Bailey quietly put together another solid campaign for the red and gold.

The former third-round pick of the Chiefs had 38 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and also forced a pair of fumbles as well. Along with Howard, Bailey was stout against the run along a defensive line that was very stingy in that area last season. I’m expecting both Howard and Bailey to have solid years again for Chiefs kingdom in 2016.

Next: Poe is dominant

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