Kansas City Chiefs: Five Things To Watch In Preseason Opener
By Ben Almquist
Pass Rush Without The Stars
The Kansas City Chiefs may be starting the season without star pass rushers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. Currently starting in their place are Dee Ford and Frank Zombo, but neither has shown the ability to provide a consistent presence in the opponent’s backfield. Someone needs to step up for this team.
However, often overlooked in this conversation is that the Chiefs have an excellent pass rushing defensive line. That should help alleviate some of the need for Ford or Zombo to be a constant threat. Also factoring into the mix will be the inside linebackers and defensive backs. Defensive Coordinator Bob Sutton has no fear of sending an exotic blitz scheme.
DJ: When Dee Ford comes off the edge. Look out, he's going to cause some havoc. #ChiefsCamp
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) August 10, 2016
Still, the Chiefs will be better off if one of their other outside linebackers can step up into a more featured role and harass the opposing quarterbacks on a regular basis. The Chiefs got by with limited outside rush in 2015, but that is not something that a 3-4 defense wants to try and make a habit of.
Next: Where Is That Andy Reid Offense?