Melvin Ingram trade changes a few things for KC Chiefs

The AFC West factor

Two weeks ago, the Kansas City Chiefs were embarrassed by the Tennessee Titans by an incredible 24 points. During the game, Patrick Mahomes was often running for his life to try to get away from a relentless Titans front that seemed to be in his face all day long.

Within that game, Bud Dupree was putting on a clinic for Tennessee in a sort of coming-out party, dominating in a way that he’d not yet shown as a big-money free agent signing this past offseason. The Titans had to be thrilled with what they saw from Dupree and what it might signal going forward.

Dupree had a field day that afternoon because he was playing opposite Orlando Brown Jr., a tackle who was also on a new team but the face was a familiar one for the Titans pass rusher. Remember this: Dupree began his career with a few seasons in Pittsburgh, a stint in which he would have played opposite Brown, who was with the Ravens at the time. Dupree’s divisional experience allowed him to dominate up front in this important game against K.C.

Even if the Chiefs don’t get much out of Ingram to start against the likes of the Packers or even the Dallas Cowboys, it’s important to note that they still have five of their six AFC West playoff games left. These are games in which Ingram could be very instrumental because he’ll be leaning on years of experience having played against them. As a longtime member of the Chargers organization, he’s already overly familiar with what it takes to go against the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, and even the Bolts.

The Chiefs need to treat every game as an important one from now on given the level of competition and the fact that they’ve already lost four games. However, their best chances for a postseason spot can be found in the AFC West. By adding Ingram before playing the majority of games against their rivals, they’ve added another pass-rushing asset who will be ready and waiting for these key matchups.