The Kansas City Chiefs will have their hands full on defense in Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts. Among all supporting casts in the NFL, the Colts may boast one of the best around quarterback Daniel Jones.
Running back Jonathan Taylor is making a strong push for the NFL MVP award. Obviously, that honor is predominantly won by quarterbacks. Taylor could change that stretch this season. Tight end Tyler Warren has been one of the most impactful offensive rookies in recent memory. Indianapolis also has two reliable receivers in Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs.
Why K.C. linebackers are potential difference makers this week
The Chiefs' defense is in need of more pressure against the opposing quarterback. There were also some plays that defensive backs likely want back from the last outing against the Denver Broncos. But in terms of what could make or break Kansas City's defensive performance against the Colts, the spotlight falls to the linebackers.
The trio of Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Leo Chenal will be heavily tested with the load and power that Taylor brings as a runner. And if K.C. continues to struggle creating overall pressure, it may not be much of a surprise. The Colts have the more dominant unit in the trenches with their offensive line going up against the Chiefs' defensive front.
That could create some situations where the Kansas City linebackers will have to react swiftly. Getting off blocks and plugging holes is paramount against Indianapolis' offensive play style. The Colts have no issue grinding out the game. But also, Indianapolis will look to create extra time and space with play action and the quick passing game. Therefore, maintaining solid eye and foot discipline will be key for the Chiefs' linebackers.
3 linebacker sets stifled high-powered Lions' offense
Bolton, Tranquill, and Chenal had one of their best outings of the season against the Detroit Lions. Interestingly enough, Kansas City stayed in base defense with all three linebackers more often in that game. The Lions still got some good chunk runs early on. But as that linebacker trio began to make plays and pursue the ball in space, Detroit failed to ever adjust.
Chenal wrecked the Lions' plans most notably by aligning in different positions in the formation. Outside of his stand-up linebacker spot, Chenal made it tough on Detroit by setting the edge on the line of scrimmage and dropping back into coverage after crowding the offensive line. Meanwhile, Chenal even put his hand in the dirt and used his noted strength to stonewall the Lions' blockers.
Tranquill and Bolton both flew toward the perimeter to limit some yards after the catch. Even if they did not make the tackle, those two had a stretch against Detroit that completely eliminated their quick passing game. It left Jared Goff and the Lions having to make perfect throws in the second half while chasing the game.
Chiefs' linebackers face pass coverage challenges against Indy
How Kansas City uses these linebackers in coverage may be the most fascinating item about Sunday's matchup. We know it will take good tackling and superb angles to minimize what Taylor can do on the ground.
Bolton has been isolated in the low slot or in the flat much more frequently the last couple of weeks. Opposing offenses have not hesitated to throw the ball short in front of him while forcing Bolton to work laterally for a tackle attempt. Perhaps the Chiefs will keep Bolton more centered in the middle of the field this week.
Tranquill and Chenal have the range to handle those passing concepts toward the perimeter or down the field more comfortably than Bolton. If Jones and Indianapolis run a fair amount of crossers and horizontal stretch, Tranquill and Chenal will have to maintain leverage and depth. Indy's new QB has simply been consistent with pinpoint accuracy on those types of routes. There are also times where the Colts will condense the passing attack and rely on sit-down routes for quick hitters. Can those two linebackers react fast enough to make plays on the football?