Kansas City Chiefs: Scouting How Beat The Pittsburgh Steelers In Week 2

Defensive Communication

The defense has only had one full game working together. Ron Parker just came back to Kansas City following the preseason, Steven Nelson missed most of the preseason with a concussion, and the two inside linebackers, Reggie Ragland and Anthony Hitchens, both missed exceptional time.

With all of that being said, given the overhaul of new players on defense and the out of shape players still trying to make their way back, the defense is going to take time. We again saw a step forward in the front seven against the Los Angeles Chargers, but there were plenty of communication errors as well.

Anthony Hitchens and Reggie Ragland had only played in one preseason game together before Week 1. Both still seem to be knocking the rust off and Ragland looks like he might not even be 100 percent healthy. These are the two players that are in charge of the defense in the middle, calling the plays, getting everyone lined up.

Orlando Scandrick had his first game with the safety group, and there was clear miscommunication between him and the safeties. On the touchdown to Keenan Allen, Scandrick was calling for help over the top before the snap, but Ron Parker didn’t see him. These kinds of miscommunication will get the Chiefs defense in big trouble against Pittsburgh. I’m not expecting perfection, but they will have to be much improved from last week to keep up with this offense.