Tuesday Twitter Poll: Kansas City Chiefs and the 3-4 defense

Our Tuesday Twitter poll is up and running. This week’s question is whether or not the Kansas City Chiefs should keep the 3-4 defense in 2018 and beyond. Be sure to follow us @KCKingdomFS.

This is going to be a big offseason of change for the Kansas City Chiefs. While much of the focus is going to be on the start of the Patrick Mahomes era in KC, we shouldn’t forget about the defense. Over the past couple of years, we have seen this once proud group start to show some cracks (if not major holes). So maybe it’s time we changed some things up there.

Specifically, I’m talking about whether or not it is time to move on from the 3-4 defense. While the Chiefs have enjoyed some success with this concept, I have to wonder just how important it really is. What has Kansas City actually achieved because of this defense coming to town? Honestly, it really isn’t that much.

Since Kansas City adopted the 3-4 defense with Romeo Crennel back in 2010, we have seen some solid performances. That shouldn’t be overlooked. However, we have also seen some brutal failures. It’s enough that I don’t see any reason why we should continue forward with it. Do you?

The #Chiefs are making some big changes this offseason. Should the defensive scheme be one of those changes? #ChiefsKingdom
— KC Kingdom (@KCKingdomFS) January 16, 2018

Playoff Pitfalls

The big things that stands out to me for the Kansas City Chiefs 3-4 defense is that there has been no playoff success with it. Since it’s adoption in KC, the Chiefs are just 1-5 in the postseason. That’s nothing to scream about in my book.

Going beyond just the record though, there are some bigger issues. With the 3-4 defense, the Chiefs have been completely blown out by the Ravens during the 2010 postseason. They suffered an epic collapse against the Colts in the 2013 season playoffs. Then there is the most recent debacle just this year.

The saying goes that “defense wins championships”. Well, not only has the 3-4 NOT done that in Kansas City, it has actually been a major reason why we aren’t winning them. How can the Chiefs not be considering a change in defensive philosophy?

Change Is Easier Than You Think

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton is already on the hot seat in the eyes of the fans. If the Chiefs were to make a change at this spot, then why not bring in a 4-3 defensive coach? I’ve previously argued for Steve Spagnuolo, who I think would be a great hire. He already has ties to Andy Reid.

Plus, the roster isn’t in bad shape for it. Chris Jones, Allen Bailey, and Rakeem Nunez-Roches can play defensive tackle. Tanoh Kpassagnon and Justin Houston at defensive end. Ukeme Eligwe at outside linebacker, and possibly Houston there as well (ala Derrick Thomas) instead of defensive end. Then the secondary can line up as normal.