3 Chiefs on Thin Ice Despite Convincing Win vs. Broncos in Week 6

2. Willie Gay Jr.

Let me be clear: this is NOT a criticism of Gay's performance. He's been good this year and is a key contributor to one of the best linebacking groups in the league.

Instead, Gay's inclusion here is more about how good the rest of the defense has been and the difficult decisions Brett Veach has to make to keep the Chiefs under the salary cap. Gay made major impacts against the Broncos, namely recovering a fumble, but his competition had big nights too.

Nick Bolton jumps off the screen every time he plays and even intercepted a pass last night, while Drue Tranquill is a perfect fit for Steve Spagnuolo's defense.

Kansas City can't keep everyone and Bolton, Tranquill, Trent McDuffie, Chris Jones, L'Jarius Sneed, Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey, among others, have all been excellent this season. If Gay can't outshine those players, he might be on the outside looking in next year.

It's worth noting that Gay played 69% of defensive snaps last night compared to only 37% for Tranquill, but the latter was dealing with an injury and contributes on special teams as well.

Gay is a quality player, though he'll need to raise his game the rest of the season if he wants to remain a Chief.

Last but not least, a familiar Achilles' Heel keeps hampering Kansas City's offense.