KC Chiefs: The Top Ten Playmakers for 2015

Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback

(5) lays on the field in pain after being sacked by Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker

(91) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

10. Tamba Hali – Outside Linebacker

Tamba Hali cracks my top ten because other teams are always having to account for him when making their game plan. He is almost always a disruptive force on the defensive front and makes quarterbacks think twice before rolling out his way.

Currently Hali is third in all-time sacks for the Chiefs with 79.5 total sacks, and is second in all-time forced fumbles with 31, according to the team website.

While there are downsides to Hali such as his age (31) and his decline in production, I feel that Hali still invokes fear into the opposing offensive coordinator because of his motor. This guy just never stops during a game.

Last season, Hali didn’t have the success that us Chiefs fans are used to seeing from the veteran pass rusher. He totaled 59 combined tackles and notched only six quarterback sacks, according to NFL.com.

While he had more tackles last season than in 2013, Hali dipped off in sacks. In 2013, Hali had a total of 11 quarterback sacks.

The dip in his production and his increasing age aren’t enough to make me think he won’t be a key contributor. Hali still has great strength for a pass rusher and possesses elite hand-fighting abilities.

I would have to say the best part of Tamba Hali is that he recently signed a reduced deal to stay in Kansas City, per NFL.com. There aren’t too many players in the NFL that will do that nowadays.

Now I don’t think Hali will break out and have a 15-sack season or anything, but there’s no denying that he’ll still be wreaking havoc in the opposing backfield.

Next: Anchoring The Defense