Kansas City Chiefs defense proves itself in win over Vikings

2018 vs. Last 3 Games

As I mentioned at the beginning of this piece, the Chiefs seemed to turn a corner defensively against the Broncos. They dominated Joe Flacco with a nine sack performance. They appeared to fix their run defense woes. They continued to play well against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.

On Sunday they did what most (myself included) didn’t think was possible. They kept the Vikings two biggest weapons, Stefon Diggs and Dalvin Cook, in check. Diggs had only one reception on the day and Cook was held to just 71 yards rushing and 3.4 yards per carry.

While it is fair to question K.C.’s ability to replicate their performance against Denver’s offense, the Packers and Vikings entered Week 9 of the NFL season as two of the top ten scoring teams in the league. If this defense can play well against them, they have a real chance to do it against anyone they face the remainder of the year.

So let’s compare how the defensive performance the past three games compares to 2018.

2018 Chiefs Defense:

• 26.3 points per game allowed
• 405.5 yards per game allowed
• 5.9 yards per play allowed
• 273.4 yards passing per game allowed
• 64.2% completions allowed
• 132.1 yards rushing per game allowed
• 5.0 yards per carry allowed
• 3.25 sacks per game
• 41.5% third down conversions allowed

Last three games:

• 20.0 points per game allowed
• 295.7 yards per game allowed
• 4.6 yards per play allowed
• 200.7 yards passing per game allowed
• 60.0% completions allowed
• 95.0 yards rushing per game allowed
• 3.9 yards per carry allowed
• 5.0 sacks per game
• 34.1% third down conversions allowed

So the Chiefs defense the past three weeks is allowing 6.3 less points, 109.8 less total yards, 1.3 less yards per play, 73.4 less passing yards per game, 4.2% less completions, 37.1 less rushing yards, 1.1 less yards per carry, 7.4% less third down conversions, and is averaging 1.75 more sacks per game than a team that was tied for the NFL lead in sacks.

Simply put, the defense we’ve seen the past three weeks has been light years better than the defense K.C. had last season when they were one defensive offsides call away from making the Super Bowl. If the Chiefs can get the offense healthy and firing on all cylinders, this defense looks like it is good enough to get them where they need to go.

I don’t believe this improvement is a fluke. The safety position has been vastly improved by the additions of Tyrann Mathieu and rookie Juan Thornhill. The improved play of Charvarius Ward has really helped the cornerback position. The linebacking trio of Anthony Hitchens, Reggie Ragland, and Damien Wilson may not be great in coverage, but they have really helped shore up the run defense.

The constant rotation of the defensive line has also helped keep guys fresh and has helped both the pass rush and run defense. The Chiefs are now getting positive contributions from Tanoh Kpassagnon, Emmanuel Ogbah, Derrick Nnadi, Khalen Saunders, Mike Pennel (looking like a good pick up), and Chris Jones up front.

The Chiefs should still get their two starting defensive ends, Alex Okafor and Frank Clark, back from injury. While Clark has been underwhelming thus far in KC, if he can get healthy and get back to being an impact player, the defense could conceivably even get stronger than what we’ve seen recently.

So what do you think Chiefs fans? Do you believe in this revitalized defense like I do? Do you think they are good enough to help the Chiefs win a Super Bowl if their offense gets back to full strength? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.