Kansas City Chiefs: Five Things To Watch Vs Packers
By Charles Lam
![Aug 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Kevin Hogan (8) warms up before the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports Aug 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Kevin Hogan (8) warms up before the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/780a67fd39402f28c5e619e039fbf85c50f3d18eaaa9575184a537c841dddad0.jpg)
Closely Examine The Pass Rushers
The Kansas City Chiefs need a few pass rushers to step up this season. Outside linebackers, Justin Houston and Tamba Hali, have dealt with their far share of injuries during their careers.
Houston is battling back from a repaired ACL and won’t be back for at least the first six games of the season. This is a giant blow to the pass rushing abilities of the Chiefs this year. Houston accumulated 22 sacks during the 2014 season.
Hali is playing on bad knees and will be relied upon a lot since he’s a veteran with experience. Hopefully he still has something left to give the Chiefs this year at least. The young guys will have to preform to allow Hali to rest on occasion.
A couple of players to watch are rookies, Chris Jones and Dadi Nicolas. Both players have shown their talents during the preseason.
Here’s a play Nicolas made against the Bears.
Dadi Nicolas is very good at not letting linemen get a handle on him. Uncalled hold here (watch the T's left arm). pic.twitter.com/jPOGVljrMm
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) August 28, 2016
Here’s a play where both Jones and Nicolas get in on the action. Jones rushes up the middle and Nicolas attacks the quarterback from the bottom of the screen.
Same drive, Jones swats aside OG's hands, pushes toward Cutler. Forces an early throw into the dirt. Dadi there too. pic.twitter.com/YCw0n8TYXp
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) August 28, 2016
By the way, Jones can stuff the run as well.
Chris Jones has remarkable explosion off the line for a guy his size. Just destroys this run. pic.twitter.com/9q0IwcoU58
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) August 28, 2016
It’s safe to say these rookies will make an impact on defense. Most of the film came against Chicago’s first team offense as well. I’m excited to see what these guys can do in a regular season game.
Don’t forget that Nicolas was the Chiefs last draft pick in the 2016 draft. He looks like a steal beyond a steal. What an athlete we got in Dadi Nicolas.