Three takeaways from KC Chiefs Week 2 snap counts

Kansas City is moving away from the 4-3 scheme

When Spagnuolo came to Kansas City, he brought his 4-3 base defense scheme with him. Defensive schemes have evolved to counter exotic offensive schemes, but the 4-3 or 3-4 defenses remain many teams’ primary options. If the first two weeks are any indicator, the Chiefs may be departing from their 4-3 scheme.

Against pass-heavy offenses, having three linebackers on the field can be somewhat of a liability. It can either be a slight against linebackers who lack pass-coverage skills or allow defenses to bring in an extra defensive back. Against the Chargers, who ran 50 passing plays, it seems like a combination of both.

Linebackers Nick Bolton and Willie Gay both logged above 90% of defensive snaps in Week 2, as both are the clear leaders of that linebacking corps. Rookie Leo Chenal made his presence felt, but only played in 30% of defensive snaps. Looking at usage alone, Spagnuolo seems to be utilizing more of a 4-2-5 scheme rather than the traditional 4-3.

This could change game-by-game, considering the opposing offensive scheme. Neither Arizona nor Los Angeles is run-heavy offenses and ranks in Football Outsider’s bottom 16 running teams. The Chiefs could certainly use more 4-3 against the Indianapolis Colts or San Francisco 49ers, but the Chiefs are no longer a 4-3 team for now.