The Kansas City Chiefs should switch to a 4-3 defense in 2018

The 3-4 defense has been a hallmark of the Kansas City Chiefs for the past several years, but they should consider moving to a 4-3 look for 2018 and beyond.

It has become very clear that the Kansas City Chiefs problems are not isolated simply to the play of Alex Smith. In fact, this past weekend’s loss to the New York Jets showed that a lot of the problems on this team have to do with the defense. Those problems are big enough to consider making a very big change to how the Chiefs do things on that side of the ball.

One of the major changes that Scott Pioli brought to Kansas City with his “Patriot Way” was the infusion of the 3-4 defense. That defensive look has been the one lasting thing of the Pioli Era in KC, and the fans have grown accustomed to it. However, with the current state of the defense, it may be time to consider moving back to a 4-3 look.

I’m not going to tell you that this is some kind of an instant solution for the Chiefs defensive woes. It’s not. At best, you would have to wait until the 2018 season to even begin implementing the new defensive look. It would also require changing the way our scouts search for defensive talent. It really is not something that should be entered into lightly.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t the right answer though.

During their 1-6 stretch, the Chiefs defense has 7 total sacks. That is dead last in the NFL during that time span.
— Gary McKenzie (@Super_G_Chiefs) December 4, 2017

We Do Have Some Players For It

One of the major benefits of switching to a 4-3 defense for the Kansas City Chiefs would be that anyone who has ever played defense has experience in that system. There is a whole lot less learning involved for college players looking to make a transition when they are familiar with set up. The same goes for current NFL players who would be switching over.

The Chiefs are also not without players who could fit in well in a 4-3 look. Chris Jones and Allen Bailey both have the build to be effective as defensive tackles in a four-man front. Justin Houston could fit at a defensive end, or outside linebacker spot as well. Reggie Ragland would be an ideal 4-3 middle linebacker.

Kansas City could also find a very natural fit for youngsters like Tanoh Kpassagnon and Ukeme Eligwe in the 4-3. Kpassagnon has tremendous build for a defensive end position, while Eligwe could use his speed in outside coverage at linebacker.

Furthermore, with Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, and Dee Ford seemingly unlikely to be major parts of the defense moving forward, the Chiefs wouldn’t have to consider them in this transition. That can be a huge benefit for a team looking to make a big change like this. It also helps with the necessary coaching change that would have to come.

This Is How You Replace Bob Sutton

I’ve seen a lot of folks talking about the need for the Kansas City Chiefs to replace Bob Sutton as defensive coordinator. I don’t really agree with this sentiment as it isn’t Sutton’s schemes that are hurting the Chiefs. That has been more a failure of players to execute. Penalties, broken tackles, and blown coverage aren’t things any coordinator schemes in.