KC Chiefs: Five very important questions for the defense
By Matt Conner
Through two weeks of the 2021 NFL season, a few things are becoming clear about the K.C. Chiefs. First, the team has loads of talent. Second, the offense is as good as advertised. Three, some areas are still a work-in-progress, especially with areas with newer faces and/or plenty of youth.
Outside of that, however, what is also clear is that the team’s defense—specifically when it comes to tackling, getting after the quarterback, and stopping the run—needs considerable work. The Chiefs have looked downright miserable at times on defense, and some of the metrics set the league’s floor (e.g. a league-worst 6.0 yards/carry allowed).
Given that the Chiefs didn’t remake any single position on defense, and that we’re into Steve Spagnuolo’s third season as a coordinator, we’re all a bit confused (and concerned) at what we’re seeing so far from the defensive side and wondering why things seem as disheveled as they do.
Specifically we’re asking a few key questions about the defense these days, and we’re not sure where to find the answers. Our only hope is that the Chiefs can begin to show improvement and bring some clarity to some areas of confusion. As for now, we’re asking the following.