Will we get Nick Bolton back?
Through four games, the Chiefs defense has been a revelation. Truly. No one could have expected the entire unit to perform so admirably on all three levels, yet here we are watching young players get better each and every week as they stymie the best efforts of opposing offenses.
Still, we're here to say that we miss Nick Bolton. The Chiefs linebackers are deep ,and thus they've been able to withstand the loss of Bolton for the last two games, but it's also clear that K.C. is missing the exceptional instincts of Bolton in the heart of the field along with the other qualities that make him the heart and soul of the defense.
Drue Tranquill has incredible range and has been a potential defensive MVP through the first quarter of the season. Leo Chenal is coming on strong and it's fun to see him used as a situational pass rusher. Willie Gay is also a well-rounded linebacker who is a plus asset in the second level. Even still, the loss of Bolton can be felt with the unit not quite as sharp at tackling or looking softer against the run.
With Bolton, the Chiefs have the horses to run with anyone for 60 minutes. On Sunday, the Chiefs looked gassed and any further injury to the unit would result in some serious mismatches being on the field. That's what makes Bolton so important for the stretch run, but it'd be nice to see him back next week to help keep the defense moving forward with its development.