You could almost hear the jukebox skip at Arrowhead. The crowd had barely settled with nachos in hand when Seattle’s backfield took turns ripping off chunks. One fan might have spilled his Boulevard Wheat. Another might have checked the calendar to confirm this was still August, not January 1996.
The foundation showed a significant crack, one that could threaten the entire structure if not immediately shored up.
That crack is a glaring run defense.
Over three preseason games, the Chiefs’ defense allowed a staggering 522 net rushing yards. This wasn't just a minor leak; it was a floodgate bursting open.
The most damning evidence came against the Seattle Seahawks. They gashed the Chiefs for nearly 200 rushing yards, with multiple explosive runs over 30 yards. This happened deep into the third quarter, against players fighting for roster spots. Hence, the issue seems systemic, not situational.
Even the first-team unit showed vulnerability before exiting. The absence of key pillars like Chris Jones and Nick Bolton was felt profoundly. Their leadership and sheer talent are the bedrock of this defense. Without them, the middle looked softer than a well-worn baseball mitt.
Fortunately, other major concerns have begun to subside. The alarm bells over the offensive line’s new left side have quieted significantly. Rookie tackle Josh Simmons delivered a dominant performance in the preseason finale.
He stonewalled pass rushers and provided a clean pocket for Patrick Mahomes. Meanwhile, the root causes for the run defense debacle are twofold.
A Systemic Concern
Depth and execution are the two issues. Backup defensive tackles struggled to maintain gap discipline. Linebackers frequently lost containment. And they allowed ball carriers to easily reach the second level. This can't just be put on the reserves. It demands a schematic redressal.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo acknowledged the problem. "Yeah, I didn’t like the way we played the run. I’ll tell you what the biggest takeaway was... it just felt like they came out with the intent to prove to the Kansas City Chiefs," Spagnuolo said. "I’m just not sure we were ready for that, and shame on us. But I think our guys will be ready to play good football this week."
He must now adjust his complex schemes to mask this liability. As safety Jaden Hicks stated, “We had a couple runs break out of 10 yards. As safeties, that just can’t happen. We got to make tackles before they reach that stick yard.” The entire defense is taking this personally.
The implications for the regular season are serious. A weak run defense forces a team into shootouts. It allows opponents to control the clock and keep Patrick Mahomes on the sideline. This flaw makes every game a potential trap, especially against run-heavy division rivals.
This exposure might force the front office’s hand. The current depth appears insufficient. A trade or waiver-wire pickup for a defensive tackle feels almost inevitable before the Week 1 trip to Brazil.
The quest for a historic three-peat fell short last year. This new season’s journey begins with a clear, immediate challenge. Fortifying the trenches is the only path forward. The great Bill Parcells once noted, “You are what your record says you are.” For now, the Chiefs’ record says they can’t stop the run.