Kansas City Chiefs: Five most surprising players in 2018 season

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Dee Ford (55) prepares to rush in the fourth quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game game between the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs on January 12, 2019 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford (55) (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

MOST SURPRISING CHIEFS IN 2018 – NUMBER 4: DEE FORD

Despite a disappointing performance in the AFC Championship game, Dee Ford had an unexpectedly impressive season that earned him an invitation to play in the Pro Bowl. He seemed to finally warrant the Chiefs spending a first round pick on him in 2014, right before he’s set to potentially become a free agent.

Ford pressured Tom Brady just once in the AFC Championship, but according to Pro Football Focus and ESPN, that game was “the only time all season he failed to register at least two pressures.” The young outside linebacker played a season-high 79 snaps in that match against the Patriots, though, as ESPN noted in the same article.

In regard to the regular season, Ford led all NFL edge rushers with 78 quarterback pressures and recorded a career-high 13 sacks. He had a really good season, especially considering Chiefs fans were ready to give up on him prior to 2018.

Ford’s future as a Chief is unclear, but he was definitely one of the biggest surprises in 2018.

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