What are the X-Factors for Kansas City Chiefs success in 2017?
By Chris Taylor
The staff at Arrowhead Addict share their opinions on the X-Factors for the 2017 Kansas City Chiefs.
Every year around this time, you will start to hear about the X-Factors for every NFL team. An X-Factor is a player, coach, scheme, or anything else that is essential to a team’s success.
Several of the contributors at Arrowhead Addict have shared who or what they believe will be this season’s X-Factor for the Kansas City Chiefs. Within the staff itself the popular trend is on the defensive side of the ball. Whether it’s the pass rush, stopping the run, or development of defensive players. Injuries could play a role on the defensive side as well, similar as to last season.
Pass rush
My X-Factor this year is the pass rush. The defense has the talent to be dominant but the pass rush has to be consistent and produce. Justin Houston and Dee Ford need to be setting the edges on fire and Tamba Hali needs to make his presence felt when on the field. If all three produce, anything extra from Dadi Nicholas is just gravy. [Chris Clark]
Chris Jones
My X-Factor for this upcoming season is defensive end Chris Jones. A second round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, Jones’ rookie season was full of surprise. He exploded onto the scene with 28 total tackles. 16 of those on his own, and 6 assisted. 3 of those tackles resulted in losses. Adding in two sacks, Jones finished as the 17th best defensive end according to Pro Football Focus. A performance evaluation grade of above average from PFF as well, Jones is a beast awakened, ready to tear into opposing offenses this season. [Lucas Hampton]
Stopping the run
I believe many people would be inclined to list quarterback play, or another position that would provide offensive efficiency. However, the Chiefs have been following a fairly consistent model the last few years: Producing a decent offense with a defense that creates turnovers and limits points. The hole in that gameplan last year revolved around an inability to stop the run. Kansas City ranked 27th in rushing yards allowed per game last season. Additionally, it is harder to force turnovers in the run game than it is in the passing game. If the Chiefs want to continue their blueprint they must address the run defense. I believe they attempted to do so in the signing of Bennie Logan and drafting Tanoh Kpassagnon. Time will tell, but the Chiefs ability to stop the run in 2017 will be the X-Factor that will make or break the team. [Thomas Welte]
Overall health
My X-Factor for the 2017 isn’t one player or position, it’s the health of the entire team. When you have Alex Smith as your quarterback and Andy Reid as your coach you can win a lot of regular season games. But if you want to make it to the promised land of the Super Bowl with them everything has to be perfect.
I believe the Chiefs have a starting roster good enough to make that kind of deep run if they play perfect football. But if the injury bug the Chiefs have experienced the last couple years bites them again, then they have no chance at a Super Bowl. Without John Dorsey there to fill holes with diamonds like Terrance Mitchell, Spencer Ware or Jaye Howard, the loss of big starters will leave holes of talent. This team can’t compete for a Super Bowl with holes in talent. [Britt Zank]
Alex Smith
Has to be the play of Alex Smith. Ding, ding, ding! Contract year. He knows Patrick Mahomes will be his successor in K.C. Can Smith perform so well that he makes it one more season, or at least well enough that another team with quarterback concerns offers him a contract? Perhaps he feels betrayed in a way by the Chiefs front office, so when and if he performs well this year, he’s out the door regardless. Personally I believe the Chiefs can win a Super BNowl with Alex Smith. It all depends on his level of play. [Mason Whitlock]
Justin Houston
Justin Houston’s health is the X-Factor for the Chiefs this season. The difference between a good and a great defense is having Houston healthy on the edge, creating nightmares for opposing defenses. He makes everyone around him better, and the Chiefs are a totally different defense when he’s on the field. He’s paid as much as he is for a reason. [Matt Conner]
The fans
I will stick to my running theme this off-season. The X-Factor for the 2017 Kansas City Chiefs is you. The fans. Chiefs fans have been known to control football games at Arrowhead. If the fans take on the responsibility, the fans can erupt each home game, flustering offensive play calling, and clogging the communication lines of opposing defenses. It has never mattered who comes to Arrowhead. When Chiefs Kingdom brings the noise, it is darn near impossible to lose at home. Home losses for the Chiefs are unacceptable. It’s important to realize how much the fans can change the game. [Chris Taylor]
Make sure to let us know who your X-Factor is and why in the comments section below.