The Kansas City Chiefs need to straighten the course of the ship. A 0-2 start to the season is worrisome, but dropping the first three games of the year could end their postseason aspirations even before October.
That's why, with the offense struggling to find momentum, they will have to continue rallying behind Steve Spagnuolo's sharp defensive mind. Their 'bend-not-break' and physical style of play will be crucial to their success.
With that in mind, Chiefs fans might get to watch rookie third-round pick Ashton Gillotte take the field early and often going forward. If anything, he's already convinced Spagnuolo that he deserves more playing time.
Steve Spagnuolo Hints at an Extended Role For Ashton Gillotte
"They're up for a reason," Spagnuolo said, per Charles Goldman. "He's (Gillotte) played pretty good for us. I see him continuing to do that. He'll keep ticking upward."
The rookie pass-rusher played just nine snaps (14 percent) on defense in the season opener, but he was on the field for 28 snaps (47 percent) in the narrow loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. That's a significant jump.
The Chiefs' pass rush could certainly use a bit of a boost right now. Chris Jones is still a superstar, but he can only do so much on his own, and George Karlafiatis has been one of the most disappointing players to start the season, especially after getting such a lofty contract extension.
On top of that, Mike Danna is dealing with an injury and isn't likely to suit up on Sunday night to face the New York Giants, and that leaves the door wide open for Gillotte to have a bigger role in this must-win contest.
So far, he's logged four total tackles (2 solos) and one stuff, and he will have a prime opportunity to improve those numbers when he goes against a shaky Giants offensive line that has given up five sacks despite going against teams with lesser pass-rushing units.
He will have to compete with veteran Charles Omenihu for playing time, but the Chiefs can't afford to drop the ball right now. As such, they have to keep whoever does a better job on the field, regardless of the player's pedigree, last name, or paycheck. If Gillotte balls out, he's going to play, it's as simple as that.
The Chiefs most likely wanted to be patient with him and allow him to grow behind some established veterans, but this is the National Football League, and it's always next man up.