Chiefs Have Clear Breakout Star They Confusingly Refuse to Play

The Chiefs have a budding star on their defense but for some strange reason, the coaching staff can't seem to find enough snaps for him.

Third-year linebacker Leo Chenal was perhaps Kansas City's best player on a per-snap basis in Sunday's Week 15 victory over the Browns. He had four tackles and a fantastic forced fumble, adding to the Chiefs' long list of turnovers during the victory.

However, Chenal played only 12 defensive snaps, 19% of the total. Considering how impactful he has been both on defense and special teams, finding him more playing time needs to be a priority moving forward.

Chiefs Must Play LB Leo Chenal More Entering Playoff Push

Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill are justifiably the starting linebackers, though we saw defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo utilize three when Willie Gay Jr. was in town. Strangely, Chenal has played only 41% of the snaps, the exact same mark he played in 2023.

He was the special teams hero in the dramatic victory over the Broncos earlier this year, blocking the potential game-winning field goal. No matter where he lines up, Chenal just seems to make impact plays.

Since that's the case, why can't the Chiefs find more snaps for him? Chenal is one of the most athletic defenders in the entire league. While the defense was fantastic overall, the unit has struggled in recent weeks relative to expectations. This is still a championship-caliber group, but improvements could be made.

Putting Chenal on the field more seems like an easy way to provide a boost before the playoffs. With Patrick Mahomes hurt and his status in doubt for next week's game against the Texans, the defense will have to step up if Kansas City is going to win.

Fans are in no position to question Spagnuolo and Andy Reid. Regardless, it seems obvious that Chenal has earned more playing time at this point.

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