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Kansas City Chiefs: The run defense will see a major improvement in 2018

By Chris Clark

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 09: Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Xavier Williams (98) rushes against Houston Texans center Nick Martin (66) in the first quarter of an NFL preseason game between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs on August 9, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 09: Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Xavier Williams (98) rushes against Houston Texans center Nick Martin (66) in the first quarter of an NFL preseason game between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs on August 9, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 23: Anthony Hitchens #59 of the Dallas Cowboys looks over the offense at the line of scrimmage during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Chargers defeated the Cowboys 28-6. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 23: Anthony Hitchens #59 of the Dallas Cowboys looks over the offense at the line of scrimmage during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Chargers defeated the Cowboys 28-6. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Former Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens

The Chiefs knew that the run defense would have to improve over the offseason and so they went out and found a linebacker who is no stranger to tackling. With nearly 200 tackles in his first four seasons, Anthony Hitchens adds an experienced veteran to the Chiefs’ linebacking corps. At only 26 years old he looks to have some good years ahead. 

The 6’0’, 235 pound Hitchens is an athletic linebacker who will definitely give Chiefs fans and reason to believe in 2018. While Derrick Johnson’s presence will be missed in the middle Hitchens should be a nice upgrade over the aging Chiefs’ great.

One advantage that Hitchens has in Kansas City is that he is has a connection to a former college coach on staff. Hopefully, this will help to build confidence in the defense and bring some good chemistry. Hitchens should also find confidence knowing that the Chiefs had their eye on him for some time.

With Veach getting both Hitchens and Ragland in his first year as GM he’s working to improve the run defense. The pairing of Hitchens and Ragland this season should excite Chiefs fans to see that improvement happen.

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