The Kansas City Chiefs dropped to 0-2 on the season after the Super Bowl rematch didn't fall their way, with the Eagles coming out on top 20-17 in a frustrating loss. So many plays and moments can be pointed to as potential turning points for a contest that the Chiefs were given every chance to win. A big piece of this was the interior defensive line play that was clearly an advantage for the Philadelphia Eagles. Not a sentiment that has often been offered anytime Chris Jones has been healthy.
However, Kansas City's failure to add any proven depth behind Jones was exposed in each of the first two weeks of the season. A piece of this was the surprise decision to part ways with Mike Pennel, who was jettisoned in final roster cuts at the end of the preseason. The cut was the most surprising move the Chiefs made and hasn't aged all that well with how the Kansas City interior has performed outside of Jones.
Chiefs Failure to Add Needed Defensive Depth Is Costing Kansas City's Interior
Rotational linemen Derrick Nnadi & Norman-Lott both struggled against the Eagles and faced similar struggles in Week 1. Kansas City simply has no reliable options on the inside other than Jones. This is where a level of heat is earned by Brett Veach and the front office. Yes, you have a star on the inside who is a proven elevator. However, you must give Jones a level of talent beside him to have a chance to elevate their play.
Right now, it appears the star defender is reduced to playing hero ball, having zero trust in the pieces around him. This is what led to a bust in Week 1 when Jones slid to the right and opened a lane for Justin Herbert to run for the first down and give the Chargers the win. There is an incredible level of pressure on Kansas City's stars to carry the roster and live up to expectations.
Leaving room to wonder if the Chiefs will make a move over the next days. Options in free agency are truly bleak, but looking for a veteran to add to the practice squad is the least that is demanded after two weeks of domination. The good news for the Chiefs is the fact that you're now going to be facing the far easier New York Giants offensive line in Week 3.
The results are unquestionably going to be better, but there should still be a healthy level of desperation from the front office to make up for an obvious mistake. Kansas City should've added to the unit, especially if they anticipated that Pennel wasn't going to make the cut this time around.
Regardless, the Chiefs are in a position where they must look in the mirror and search for every possible area to improve at 0-2. This includes searching for needed depth that will help take some pressure off Jones and the rest of Kansas City's defense.