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Kansas City Chiefs difference makers: The thrill ride

By Lucas Hampton

Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) runs the ball as referee Walt Anderson (left) follows during the first half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) runs the ball as referee Walt Anderson (left) follows during the first half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) celebrates after breaking up a pass during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) celebrates after breaking up a pass during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Now on defense…

This defense really showed what it was made of and earned every dollar that it’s worth… minus Phillip Gaines.

Derrick Johnson was as dependable as ever, leading the defense with 90 total tackles. Eric Berry showed up strong with a total of 77 tackles (hold up, I have to ask, is this guy a linebacker or safety? He is inhuman and unbeatable, just ask cancer.) and four interceptions, half of those went for scores.

Marcus Peters. It is so satisfying to have a brutal, lockdown star corner. When his name started being floated around the mid and late season mock drafts, I smiled with glee over the combination of Sean Smith and Marcus Peters. When Smith left in free agency, I was worried it would not play out very well for us. Sean Smith who?

Peters made us all forget Smith ever was a Chief overnight! His impact is felt nearly every single game and when he was missing in the Buccaneers game, it was also felt. Peters ended a very wonderful season with six interceptions, 20 passes defended, and 45 total tackles. I am glad this man suits up in the red and gold.

The surprise addition to the list!

Here’s one I never ever thought I would be praising: Dee Ford. I remember that draft day. I was in the car on my way home from work, streaming the Draft on my phone. The Chiefs’ pick came up and I said “Sorry who?” One of my closest friends set me a text saying, “Who is Dee Ford?”. The pick made sense as there was talk of Justin Houston being gone soon, and Tamba Hali is only getting older. In his first few days with the team, I was not sure Dee Ford would pan out. He looked like a bust. The Kansas City Chiefs were forced to rely on him for much of this season. He made us all eat our words.

Dee Ford at one point was leading the NFL in sacks. The whole stinking National Football League! If you had told me when he was drafted that he would seem to be a bust, then show up big to finish this season with 10 sacks, leading the NFL at one point, and 38 tackles.

Before moving on to the D-Line, let’s mention Terrance Mitchell briefly. We brought him in to replace Phillip Gaines when the latter decided to be the weakest link. Mitchell filled in quite nicely and so much better than Gaines. If you ask me, Mitchell owns that roster spot now.

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