How the KC Chiefs look at the halfway point of 2020 season

The Defense

As you look at the defensive numbers at the halfway point of the season, you’ll see it’s pretty similar to the final numbers last season. They have been a little stronger against the pass, but they are giving up more rushing yards per game. Here’s a look at the breakdown of the defensive numbers now versus last season.

2019: 19.3 points allowed per game
2020: 19.5 points allowed per game

2019: 370.8 yards per game, 5.7 yards per play
2020: 355.5 yards per game, 5.5 yards per play

2019: 37.1% 3rd down conversions allowed
2020: 38.5% 3rd down conversions allowed

2019: 221.4 passing yards/game, 6.7 yards/attempt, 21 touchdowns, 16 interceptions
2020: 201.3 passing yards/game, 6.2 yards/attempt, 18 touchdowns*, 18 interceptions*
*on pace for

2019: 128.2 rushing yards/game, 4.9 yards/carry, 14 touchdowns
2020: 142.8 rushing yards/game, 4.8 yards/carry, 14 touchdowns*
*on pace for

The promising thing here is that the pass defense definitely looks better. Not only are the yards allowed down 20 per game, but the yards/attempt is down, as is the touchdown-to-interception ratio. While rushing yards allowed are up over 14 yards per game, the yards per carry and touchdowns allowed look about the same. So this appears to be more of a case of opponents rushing more often than it is the opponent being more effective. You’d still like to see K.C. play better against the run, but given the choice of the two, you would rather be good against the pass, especially when your offense is averaging over 30 points per game.

Finally, let’s check in on how Patrick Mahomes is doing and just what kind of final numbers he could end up with this season.