The Kansas City Chiefs defense got off to an amazing start in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. They harassed and contained Bo Nix throughout the game and ended the night with four sacks and just 10 points allowed. Unfortunately for K.C>, things went a little differently in Week 2 against Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts. The Chiefs weren't able to sack Jones at all and gave up 30 points in Week 2. Thankfully, the Miami Dolphins are up next for Kansas City, and they appear to be just what the Chiefs' pass rush needs to get back on track.
The Miami Dolphins were not expected to be very good this season, but after being outscored by a combined score of 62-26 by the Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers, it's somehow been even worse than expected. A big reason why is that Miami's offensive line has really struggled, especially in pass protection. Through two games, the Dolphins have given up a league-worst nine sacks.
Dolphins offensive line gives Chiefs a major opportunity
Malik Willis is always a threat to take off and run when he drops back, but thus far, he's mainly been running for his life. While Dolphins left tackle Patrick Paul has been reliable, the rest of the offensive line has not. In particular, right tackle Austin Jackson has really struggled. Jackson has Pro Football Focus' lowest pass protection grade out of all 66 eligible offensive tackles, with an abysmal 33.1 grade. Miami's right guard, Jonah Savaiinaea, hasn't been a lot better, boasting a 39.4 pass protection grade. So KC has a great chance to attack the right side of the Dolphins' offensive line.
Malik Willis hasn't handled that pressure especially well either. His 32.1% pressure rate is the third-worst in the NFL through two games, and considering that Willis has faced pressure on 43.1% of his dropbacks, that is a big problem. It's also why the Dolphins have given up a league-high nine sacks through two games. Those sacks have come from several defensive positions, but edge rushers in particular have been successful vs. the Dolphins.
Chiefs edge rushers are in prime position to break through
Of the nine sacks the Dolphins have allowed, 5.5 have come from defensive ends. That could be good news for George Karlaftis, who has yet to record a sack this season. It could also be an opportunity for the Chiefs' speedy rookie R Mason Thomas to pin his ears back and get after Willis on clear passing downs. The Dolphins have also allowed 1.5 sacks by linebackers and 1.5 sacks by defensive backs, so Steve Spagnuolo may also have some success by sending blitzers against a struggling Dolphins offensive line.
The Chiefs' All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones has also not recorded a sack yet this season. The Dolphins have only allowed 0.5 sacks to defensive tackles, but they have yet to face a player of Jones' caliber. There is certainly a chance he or rookie defensive tackle Peter Woods could get some pressure on the interior as well.
Kansas City needs its pass rush to take advantage
Last season, the Chiefs only had 35 team sacks, which was tied for the seventh-fewest in the league, at a rate of only about two sacks per game. After their first game against the Broncos, it looked like KC's pass rush was going to be a lot more productive, but after getting shut out by the Colts, they are now back to averaging two sacks per game. like they did last season, and the pass rush is one place the Chiefs need to step up.
There's no question that the Dolphins are a struggling team, and the Chiefs should not only win this game, but their pass rush should be able to take advantage of a struggling Miami offensive line. The Chiefs' offense should also be able to score enough points to force Miami into passing situations, so if the Chiefs' pass rush can't have any success in this game, it could be a bad sign for things to come this season. However, if the pass rush can get home in this one, it could act as a stepping stone for more success as the season goes on. Here's to hoping that's exactly what happens.
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