Most people will talk about Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Andy Reid when discussing the Kansas City Chiefs. That makes perfect sense, but, ironically, they've been a better defensive team than an offensive team in recent years. They've consistently been one of the better defenses at limiting big plays and holding teams to an average of around 21-23 points per game.
That's why one crucial aspect of their defense may have doomed them even more than their offense last season. Granted, former offensive coordinator Matt Nagy's unit's inability to move the chains was frustrating, but the defense also failed to get crucial stops when it mattered the most.
Notably, plenty of that had to do with this team's inability to put pressure at the line of scrimmage. And unless Chris Jones and company can do something about that in 2026, that weakness might come back to haunt the Chiefs again.
The Chiefs desperately need to get more sacks in 2026 without high blitz usage
According to Team Rankings, the Chiefs ranked 19th in sack percentage (6.43 percent) and 22nd in sacks per game (2.1) last season. A fair number of those sacks came from heavy blitzes, which often left the secondary wide open and on its own. That's a recipe for disaster, as quarterbacks who can sling the football out quickly will get plenty of extra space for the receivers.
The Chiefs drafted R Mason Thomas early in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he should be able to help in that regard. Also, a healthy Felix Anudike-Uzomah might come in handy here and there, assuming he even makes the roster. The additions of Peter Woods and Khyris Tonga, and the return of Omarr Norman-Lott, should also make life easier for Jones in the interior.
That said, the Chiefs will also need much more production from George Karlaftis, especially with the big contract they gave him. He was supposed to be the face of the pass-rush as Chris Jones grew older, but that hasn't necessarily been the case so far.
The Chiefs have the best defensive coordinator in the game in Steve Spagnuolo. He probably would've been a head coach again elsewhere if he didn't want to stay by Andy Reid's side in Kansas City for so long. As such, this team should be much better in that regard. Coach Spags has his flaws here and there, but he's quick to correct and adjust.
While all eyes are on Patrick Mahomes as he comes back from injury, the Chiefs' biggest storyline might actually be on the other side of the field. And if this set of guys can't get it done, general manager Brett Veach will have to work overtime to find some help in the trade market before the deadline.
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