4 Chiefs Who Need to Step Up Over Final Quarter of the Season

4. Derrick Nnadi, DT

The Chiefs have been one of the best teams at stopping the run this season, highlighted by their 73.8 run defense grade on PFF (7th). Although Reid's players have excelled at limiting the opposition's output on the ground, one defender who hasn't exactly helped in that regard is none other than Derrick Nnadi.

The ex-Florida State defensive tackle has been the human equivalent of Swiss cheese this offseason. Through his first 13 games, Nnadi has played to a horrendous 40.8 run defense grade (113th/130 interior defenders on PFF) while also playing to a career-worst 35.2 mark for overall defensive play.

Even though he's been limited to a backup role, having reliable reserve players is important, which is why the Chiefs need Nnadi to step up his game before it's too late. The 28-year-old defender is already in danger of losing his spot in the lineup after being limited to 17 or fewer snaps every game this season after surpassing that mark 15 times in 2023 alone.

The Chiefs are already solid at stopping the run, however, they could be even better in that regard if Nnadi could finally excel at playing his part. While his performance thus far has left a lot to be desired, a strong finish to the campaign would help fans quickly forget about any earlier struggles.

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