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KC Chiefs: Mike Catapano Gives Chiefs D-Line Depth

By Alec Tilson

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On Friday KC Chiefs defensive lineman Mike Catapano recorded his first tackle at Arrowhead Stadium since Week 6 of the 2013 season against the Oakland Raiders.

Catapano was placed on injured reserve during training camp last season with a viral condition and concussion-related issues and never fully recovered to play in a game.

Against the Seattle Seahawks on Friday, though, Catapano not only made it back on the field, he led the Chiefs in defensive snaps, on the field for 66 percent of the time, according to KCChiefs.com’ BJ Kissel.

Prior to the game, Catapano said he could hardly wait to get back on the field:

Catapano took advantage of his time too. He made an outstanding tackle for loss to stop a Seahawks’ drive on third-and-goal in the third quarter.

It looked like a blown assignment or just a sneaky play by Catapano, but he didn’t miss the opportunity. He tackled the Seattle running back for a seven-yard loss and forced a field goal attempt on fourth down. (Source: NFL.com)

Catapano said he could feel the crowd’s energy as the play unfolded, according to KCChiefs.com:

"“You can’t explain it,” Catapano said of the feeling he had when he made that play. “That’s some of the best parts of football. You can’t explain that feeling.“As soon as I got him, I felt the pulse of the crowd immediately. I don’t know if it was a cool-looking celebration or what, I just went wild out there.”"

The Chiefs defensive line and pass rush is going to rely heavily on Catapano, defensive lineman Jaye Howard and other guys on the roster while starting nose tackle Dontari Poe is on the shelf.

Catapano is a 6-feet 4-inch, 270-pound lineman, a former All-America honoree at Princeton University and seventh-round pick by the Chiefs in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Catapano showed a versatile set of moves while leading the Ivy League in his senior season with 12 sacks. He displayed a quick spin move, good power and leverage and the ability to rush from both sides of the quarterback.

If Catapano can stay healthy, he could provide the Chiefs with another punch at the defensive end position. If outside linebacker Dee Ford can take a step in his development and the Chiefs can count on Mike DeVito and Allen Bailey to play a bulk of the time at defensive end, Catapano could be a sneaky good depth player for the Chiefs defense.

He’s a strong, athletically gifted guy who can rush the passer and he’s got a chip on his shoulder having recorded 4 total tackles in his first two NFL seasons.

What do you expect from Chiefs defensive lineman Mike Catapano this season?

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