Chris Jones, Derrick Johnson among 2017’s biggest disappointments for Chiefs

When we surveyed our writing staff at midseason, it’s clear that everyone is down on the defense in 2017.

For a team that is 6-3 after nine games and comes out of the bye week with an easier schedule than most, you’d think there wouldn’t be a lot to complain about. The Kansas City Chiefs have convincing wins over the NFL’s best teams and have weathered injuries and the hardest part of the schedule to come out with a winning record and two-game lead in the AFC West as they prepare for the stretch run. In other words, it’s been a very good year so far by nearly anyone’s definition.

But what is missing at this point is the defensive identity and intensity that we’re used to seeing in Kansas City. Every year it seems the Chiefs are well-represented in the Pro Bowl on defense, with players like Marcus Peters, Justin Houston and company representing the red and gold in style. While Peters and Houston in particular will likely resurface on Pro Bowl rosters, the reality is that the Chiefs are allowing more yards than nearly any other NFL team.

Several players are looking older and slower than before. Other positions are dangerously thin. Some players have yet to really break through, while other draft picks are so raw they’ve yet to add a single meaningful contribution. Together it’s all meant the Chiefs defense is a shell of its former self, which is likely why nearly every staff writer mentions the defense or an aspect of it when surveyed about the biggest disappointments at midseason.