Kansas City Chiefs: The not-so-great defensive linemen

The big boys up front on defense have been largely nonexistent in the recent ugly performances by the Kansas City Chiefs.

As I began to create an outline for this article on the Kansas City Chiefs defense, I had some troubles with deciding where to even start. For some reason, my mind kept going to a couple of popular episodes from my all time favorite television series. (Spoilers ahead)

For all of “The Office” fans reading this – I dare you to go back and watch episodes 14 and 15 in season five – ‘Stress Relief Part One, and Part Two’ (Repeat, spoilers ahead).

Lacking detail to get directly to my point as quick as possible; in these episodes, Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin Michael Scott hosts a “Michael Scott roast session” to ease tension within the office. After being harshly roasted by his employees, out of anger Scott turns around later to roast them back.

How does this come into play with the Kansas City Chiefs defensive linemen? It’s quite easy actually, this article will be the equivalent of that Michael Scott roast session (but not as harsh). My goal is to not make this article a full on roast session towards the Chiefs defense, but, out of spite, it may happen.

What exactly is the problem?

Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton has holes to fill, and he better do it fast. There are a number of things going wrong on the defensive side of the football, which makes this team go from great, to oh great, not again.

The #RaiderNation OL was getting after it last night. Gabe looked as good as I’ve seen him this year and was mauling people. pic.twitter.com/FSDXsCxXkw
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) October 21, 2017

Losing Dontari Poe to free agency stung a little but. I would jokingly say right about now, that we lost a quarterback, and a defensive lineman, but forcing jokes when the timing isn’t right is a big pet-peeve of mine.

The absence of Poe suddenly became less painful when the Chiefs acquired former Eagles defensive lineman Bennie Logan from the market. Logan’s large frame creates scary match-ups for the opposition. However, Logan, along with the energizing bunny in Chris Jones, anchored by Allen Bailey, and Rakeem Nunez-Roches made the Chiefs actually seem to own a solid front. But, boy am I wrong, or what?

Along with the beef, the outside pressure from the best in the business Justin Houston, and his wingman Dee Ford creates a freaky outside presence…normally.

Where Is The Outside Pass Rush?

Justin Houston at times does look like his typical self. However, there are times (such as loss to the Oakland Raiders) where Houston is simply shut down at kickoff. His buddy Dee Ford has had a solid year thus far, yet his hip injury holds him back a little. A long break between now and next Monday should solve this problem.

In all honesty, I have trouble blaming Justin Houston, and Dee Ford for the lack of pressure on the quarterback. At the same time though, this is one of their primary responsibilities, and lately they have lacked pressure.

Chiefs pressures tonight on Oakland's 61 pass plays:
Dee Ford-7
Justin Houston-6
Chris Jones-5
All other Chiefs combined-0
— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) October 20, 2017

According to this stat listed above, Dee Ford and Justin Houston, followed by Chris Jones, are the only ones who applied pressure throughout the whole game in their loss to the Raiders. I do not really feel like breaking it down anymore than it already is though. It speaks for itself.

Is this problem fixable?

Easily.

The Kansas City Chiefs do have a lot of talent up front. I think it all boils down to Bob Sutton sparking a fire under his big boys. Sutton does not seem to be the type to ignite his players, but I truly think what they need is that fire, and perhaps call more blitzes. The defense constantly looks shy. The offensive linemen across from them hardly look rattled because base blocking gets them by.