Overreaction #4: Charles Omenihu was the pass rush's missing link.
The Chiefs' defense did not pitch the dominant game that fans are accustomed to. Patrick Allen was right to call this game's first-half 2018-esque, where the offense was dominant but the defense was a sieve. The unit succeeded in individual areas, and the pass rush saw a big boom with the debut of Charles Omenihu. Justin Herbert felt that boom more times than one.
Charles Omenihu is going to be a problem! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/StXwAfHvrD
— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) October 23, 2023
Omenihu impacted the game himself in multiple ways. He logged multiple pressures, a sack, and a batted pass, leading to Herbert's lone interception of the day. Whenever the broadcast cut to show a crowded and rattled Herbert in the pocket, Omenihu's No. 90 was usually a visible jersey.
The ripple effect of the pass rush was palpable, though. Omenihu on the inside facilitated Jones bouncing outside more, while George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah could run free on the opposite end. The Chiefs' front four or five were a thing of beauty to watch against the Chargers on Sunday.
The Chiefs' defense, which started out on a downward trajectory, ended up having one of their best games of the season. The defense logged 5 sacks and 40 yards lost on those sacks, both season-highs for the Chiefs. Herbert only had a 63.1 passer rating in Arrowhead, the second-worst of his career and the worst since his rookie season. The defense really turned things around at halftime; kudos to Steve Spagnuolo and his staff's adjustments.
Omenihu may not have been the only reason Kansas City did so well defensively, but this showed what fans were waiting for following his six-game suspension. The defense was at full strength for most of this game. Barring a serious injury to linebacker Nick Bolton, the opposing offense should be worried about all levels of this Kansas City defense.