The Kansas City Chiefs have been trying to correct multiple flaws throughout this season. Even in one of their worst years in a while, some metrics still like the Chiefs. Yet one glaring statistic has plagued Kansas City all year: its inability to generate pressure or sacks.
Under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, you can usually rely on this team to get its fair share of sacks. That has been part of their postseason success for years. But in 2025, the Chiefs are on pace for their lowest sack total since 2021.
The Chiefs have 22 sacks this season. Only five other teams have fewer entering Week 14. Kansas City is averaging just 1.8 sacks per game. And yes, it has been a recurring issue for K.C. However, Kansas City was especially horrid as a pass rush in November, with defensive ends tallying only a single sack for the entire month. Weirdly enough, it was a play in which George Karlaftis and Ashton Gillotte split the takedown. As for Chris Jones, he has just three sacks this season, with only one coming in November.
Comparing sack totals to previous seasons under Spagnuolo, Kansas City has seen some roller-coaster trends. And even in 2024, that was the first time the Chiefs failed to hit 40 sacks since 2021. Here are the totals by season with Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator:
- 2024- 39
- 2023- 57
- 2022- 55
- 2021- 31
- 2020- 32
- 2019- 45
It’s not just that the Chiefs are on pace for their lowest sack total since 2021. They may not even reach that number if recent results hold. Kansas City will face some weaker offensive lines down the stretch, like the Houston Texans and the Los Angeles Chargers. Quarterbacks like Cam Ward and Geno Smith may also present prime opportunities. In the end, the Chiefs will have to start producing more pressure and sacks if they are to close out these must-wins.
If they continue their current pace from this season, the Chiefs may finish with their lowest sack total under Steve Spagnuolo.
There are a few different pitfalls contributing to the Chiefs’ issues rushing the passer. For starters, Kansas City did not spend many resources on the defensive line this past offseason. Charles Omenihu returned. They took minor chances on Jerry Tillery and Janarius Robinson. Tershawn Wharton left in free agency. And late in the offseason, a minor trade brought Derrick Nnadi back into the fold, but it did not move the needle.
It also didn’t help that defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott dealt with numerous injuries in training camp and the regular season. Ultimately, a torn ACL ended his rookie year in October. Gillotte has flashed at times, but as a rookie third-round pick, immediate production would have been a bonus. And for another year, former first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah did not make an impact, missing the entire season due to injury.
Defensive ends have mainly been solid contributors with the ceiling of the second-best player at the position. That’s how the Chiefs have rolled under this regime. Kansas City just has not received the same impact that those pieces provided in the past. And at defensive tackle, K.C. has largely operated with run-stuffers and space-eaters. They have not added adequate depth around Jones for far too long.
Bringing extra pressure is usually a Spagnuolo staple. And at times this season, that wrinkle has still paid dividends. But it is not coming through as often. Without being able to get home consistently with four rushers, Kansas City is left spinning its tires up front.
Finally, third-down defense has been putrid for the Chiefs. Opponents are converting an average of 5.1 third downs per game, tied for 19th in the league. The Chiefs are also 26th in third-down conversion percentage allowed, with offenses converting 42.96 percent of their attempts against Kansas City.