Kansas City Chiefs: Fresh Hot Takes From Sunday Vs Jets

Third Down: Dee Ford To The Bench

Kansas City Chiefs 2014 first round pick Dee Ford has been a magnet for criticism.  Drafted to be a pass rushing heir to Tamba Hali, Ford just has not panned out so far.  There was some hope that he would put it all together this year, but so far that hasn’t been the case.  It is now being reflected in his snap counts as he saw a decrease in work this week.

That isn’t to say Ford is a total disaster.  He has improved his game as a run stopper.  Realistically speaking, Ford is an ideal backup at outside linebacker and could have a productive future there.  However, that isn’t very consoling to fans.  That, of course, is leading to a lot of hot takes on how to address the position.

Poster: DP

"Dadi Nicholas needs to be getting some of Dee Ford’s snaps. Nothing really to lose."

Well, I get why fans feel this way.  However, the truth is that the Chiefs are handling this the right way.  Dadi Nicolas needs time to learn, and these are not the games to do it in.  For now, the Chiefs need to be getting Tamba Hali back into the thick of things, while relying on Frank Zombo to be a steady presence.  True, that keeps the pass rush from being as effective, but it provides stability and reliability until KC can get Justin Houston back.