Did the Chiefs really improve their run defense from 2016?
By Britt Zank
If the run defense of the 2017 Kansas City Chiefs isn’t better than it was in 2016, it won’t be the fault of the front office.
In 2016, the Chiefs finished the season ranked 26th in rushing defense giving up 121.1 yards per game. This poor defensive performance was visible all year long and only got worse once Derrick Johnson went down in week 14 against the Raiders. The low point was found on center stage in the playoffs against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers rushed for 171 yards on 31 carries for an average of 5.5 yards per carry. This dominant running game allowed them to control the time of possession 34:13 to 25:47. It also limited the Chiefs’ offensive opportunities and was a big factor in why they made a quick exit after a successful season.
Clearly the Chiefs have seen this as a major weakness because the team’s run defense has been completely remodeled. Let’s take a closer look at the way the Chiefs have remade their run defense between last year’s playoff loss and this year’s preseason.