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

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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Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Justin Houston is excellent in the run game

Chiefs fans have often only looked to Justin Houston’s sack numbers in relation to the size of his contract. But his talent as a run defender makes him one of the better outside linebackers in the league. 

As a comparison, Houston has averaged 3.2 tackles per game in 90 games while Denver’s Von Miller has averaged 3.1 tackles in 104 games. Houston’s tackling average increases when calculated in 84 starts in those 90 games compared to Miller’s 104 starts in 104 games.

Houston’s long arms aid him as a tackler, and his 260-pound frame give him the ability to punish running backs. Because he is inching closer to the twilight of his career, it would be good to see a lot of production out of him in these next few seasons.

Houston says he’s fully healthy so this year will be a big year for him. Along with looking for more sacks Houston should be looking to improve his tackle count as well. Chiefs Kingdom should be excited that Houston and Berry are both healthy at the same time.