Kansas City Chiefs: What to look for in first preseason game

Edge Rushers

During training camp, Dee Ford has seen most of the time with the starting defense opposite of Justin Houston. While it was a question whether or not he would even be healthy for training camp and ready to participate fully, Ford has looked good in camp.

Once again, it’s hard for rushers not to look good considering they can’t hit the quarterback and it’s not full contact. It will be interesting to see how Ford looks against offensive lines in real game situations. Has he developed any new moves and does he have the explosion off of the snap?

Second-year Tanoh Kpassagnon and rookie Breeland Speaks have also seen some rotation with the starting defense in camp. Both of these players will likely start opposite of each other with the second group and possibly spend some time with the third strings. Coaches have talked during camp about Kpassagnon making strides and developing into a solid linebacker.

Which one of these two players will dominate the weaker competition and move ahead of the other in the depth chart? If they want to bump Ford out of early downs with the starters, they will have to dominate in not only the pass rushing game but against the run as that is a weakness of Ford’s.

Beyond these four, players like Frank Zombo will be fighting for a roster spot. Zombo has been the backup outside linebacker for the Chiefs for many years but could see these younger, more physical talents diminish his role. If Zombo wants to remain on the team, he will have to have a great preseason.

The team also has rookie Dorian O’Daniel listed as an outside linebacker on the depth chart. While he line up there in the preseason rushing the passer in the later quarters? Keep an eye out for how Bob Sutton utilizes O’Daniel against the Texans.