Chiefs outside linebackers Justin Houston and Dee Ford are poised for big games this Sunday against the Oakland Raiders’ inexperienced offensive line.
The Kansas City Chiefs defense has been inconsistent in 2018. While the defense has had some big moments, they’ve been overshadowed by the plethora of yards its allowed per game. To be exact, Kansas City’s defense ranks third to last in total defense and last in stopping the pass.
But the Chiefs defense, specifically the front seven, can change that narrative this Sunday when the Chiefs visit the Oakland Raiders.
Outside linebackers Justin Houston and Dee Ford will be going up against rookie offensive tackles Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker. The rookie duo has allowed 14 sacks combined while Houston and Ford have combined for 13 sacks.
Miller, a first-round pick by the Raiders, has started all 11 games and has surrendered 8.5 sacks during his rookie campaign. As for Parker, who was taken in the third round, he has given up 5.5 sacks in seven starts. Both sack totals are according to STATS.
Add in the fact the rest of the Raiders offensive line will be occupied by defensive ends Chris Jones and Allen Bailey. Jones co-leads the team with Ford in sacks with nine as they are both tied 10th in the league. Meanwhile, Allen Bailey co-leads the NFL in fumble recoveries with Bills outside linebacker Matt Milano.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has been sacked 35 times, the fourth largest total in the league and tied with Marcus Mariota of the Titans. Carr’s offensive line has not done many favors for him as he has been sacked at least three times in each of the last four games.
Kansas City’s front seven has a great chance at beating Oakland at the line of scrimmage and disrupting the pocket, putting Carr in trouble throughout the game. Carr’s single-game high for sacks this year was seven against the San Francisco 49ers. Don’t be surprised if the Chiefs match that, or come very close.