Chiefs Mythbusters: Why the defense will be better in 2018

2017 vs. 2018, what changed and what to expect

There were a lot of moving pieces for the Chiefs, so let’s recap:
Kendall Fuller and David Amerson replace Marcus Peters and Terrance Mitchell
Anthony Hitchens replaces Derrick Johnson
Breeland Speaks replaces Tamba Hali
Armani Watts/Dorian O’Daniel replace Ron Parker
Xavier Williams/Derrick Nnadi replace Bennie Logan

The biggest change overall is that the Chiefs defense got significantly younger and more athletic with these additions. Breeland Speaks will provide a versatile pass rusher to rotate with Houston, Ford, and hopefully Kpassagnon. The addition of Dorian O’Daniel should mean that we see less of Justin Houston in coverage, and more of number 50 harassing quarterbacks in the backfield.

The Chiefs got stronger in the middle of the field as well. The combination of Anthony Hitchens and Reggie Ragland in the middle will prove difficult to get past when teams try to move the ball between the tackles. Xavier Williams and Derrick Nnadi are both excellent run stuffers who offer more athleticism than Bennie Logan.

The cornerback position is a big question mark going into 2018. If the front 7 can get to the quarterback and control the ground game the Chiefs corners will have life a bit easier. Kendall Fuller is the most talented corner on the roster and will likely start outside. David Amerson will be an interesting player to watch as he transitions to the man press scheme of the Chiefs.

The players added this offseason should allow the Chiefs to get back to using exotic coverages and blitzes to disrupt offenses around the league. There is reason for excitement about the young players and new additions to the defense. Besides, when you finish ranked 28th in the league there is not much room to go but up.