Three reasons not to panic about KC Chiefs defense
By Matt Conner
Willie Gay‘s eventual return
This one might take longer than a week, but we know that eventually Willie Gay Jr. will be back in the fold for Spags and company. That’s very good news, because it’s at the heart of the defense that the Chiefs could use the most help.
Anthony Hitchens has been playing inspired football for the last year or more and Nick Bolton was a fine addition to the defense who will only get better (more on him in a minute). However, it’s Gay who truly has the power to elevate this unit an entire level or two by himself.
Bolton will be here next year, but it takes a year in the NFL to really find your footing, and Gay has already been through that process. In the preseason, Gay’s natural talents took over at times and wowed coaches and fans alike. He’s built like a sort linebacker should be, but he also possesses speed that carries him sideline to sideline. Gay’s natural coverage skills, athleticism and size make him a game-altering force in the heart of the defense.
The Chiefs haven’t had a player described like that since Derrick Johnson left. Gay will have to miss two more games, but more help is on the way.