Chiefs Ugly Ducklings: Bird-Brained
Thoughts About Sutton’s Flock
of Unsettling Starters
by Ransom Hawthorne
It’s an old story, the tale of a hideous fledgling who turns into a beautiful swan. This story should be particularly inspirational to Bob Sutton, who’s relying on some, less than perfect players to keep him from singing his swan song. If the Kansas City Chiefs defense is to rise from it’s ashes (all the bird references, could you tell), it will do so with the help of a lot of “could bes” and “has beens.” Should this ragtag bunch take to Sutton’s defense, like a duck to water, Chiefs fans will be happy as a lark. If not, wins in Kansas City, could prove as scarce as hens teeth. Let’s take a look.
OLB Dee Ford
Ford is having his quality training camp, mostly, ignored by fans. There’s good reason for this though, as Ford has yet to justify his draft status. Still, Sutton shows signs of finally giving Ford snaps on the left side of the defense. Using Ford’s speed, and elite first step, against slower Right Tackles, has proved effective in the past, and could again, as Chiefs seek to both, pressure the passer, and pump up Ford’s value, in hopes of a compensatory pick.
OLB Tanoh Kpassagnon
Unlike the ugly duckling, Kpass has always looked the part, but up until this year, has lacked the skill. Thus far, he seems to be showing why Chiefs drafted him. His huge frame, paired with fantastic athleticism and surprising bend, bothers the 2nd team offense, on a consistent basis. If this performance persists, when he gets more first team work, the Chiefs will have themselves a beautiful pass rush. What’s more, K.C. will have two more years of cheap control, so TK’s impact could last well beyond 2018.
OLB Justin Houston
Now don’t get me wrong, Houston has been one of the best OLBs in the NFL. The trouble is he wasn’t paid to be “one of the best”, he was paid to be THE best. With his recent admission that he felt like he “was out there pretty much on one leg”, in 2016 and ‘17, there’s a chance he can finally play like he’s paid. I don’t ever expect him to hit 22 sacks again, but if he can be 85% of the player he was, when he did, Chiefs defense will look a lot better, this year.
Corner David Amerson
Amerson went from a big money contract, to taking a prove-it deal. Be it injury, or laziness, he just didn’t live up to his potential. One week into training camp, Amerson has logged two interceptions, only Steven Nelson has more (3). Sutton hopes that Amerson can provide, in 2018, what Sean Smith did in 2013. He might get beat for some deep throws, but, provided he stays healthy, he should shut down a lot of the short to intermediate routes. That might not be beautiful CB play, but it’s better than what Chiefs had last year in Gaines and Mitchell: U-G-L-Y.
Safety Daniel Sorenson
Sorenson went from a respected depth piece to a reviled starter, last year. Most fans had hoped that O’Daniel would take his spot. Thus far, that hasn’t proven to be the case. O’Daniel, for all his physical talent, looks like he’s still putting together the mental aspects of the NFL game. For Chiefs fans, this means hoping that Sorenson can up his performance, significantly, from last year. There’s not really much to base this hope on, other than the fact that increased depth on STs, means Sorenson should be more rested. If Sorenson can’t perform, and Sutton doesn’t find a replacement, Chiefs defense will be dead as a dodo.
Safety Armani Watts
Barring a dramatic improvement, by Eric Murray, Chiefs will be looking to get Watts on the field asap. Unfortunately, an ankle injury left him sidelined for the early part of Training Camp. While he’s quickly earned more first team reps, now that he’s healthy, cause for concern remains. Ankle injuries are fickle things, and have a tendency to recur. I believe that Watts could prove the swan, of Chiefs 2018 draft class, but you can’t fly with a broken wing. Safeties need to have a deep knowledge of the defense, and every rep Watts misses, will delay his eventual start.
DE Allen Bailey
Bailey looked pretty good in 2014 and 2015, but has struggled, ever since, but, as Terez Paylor always says: “the contract year is undefeated.” Bailey is in the final year of his deal, and has no real competition for his starting spot. If he’s going to recapture the magic, it’s now or never. Sutton’s not exactly flush with interior pass rushers, so Bailey could have a big impact on the overall success of the defense.
Will these ugly ducklings go out and make Sutton proud as a peacock, or will one, or more, of them prove to be an albatross around his neck? Only time will tell. If the defense doesn’t improve drastically, this year, we could see a lot of these guys move on, and Sutton with them, killing two birds with one stone. There are some early signs of improvement. Houston has expressed gratitude that Chiefs are lacking in drama on defense. “There’s no hothead guys. It’s just everybody is on the same page.” Hitchens also seems to be quickly absorbing the defense, and coaching up the younger guys and taking them under his wing. Sounds like birds of a feather, flocking together to me. Chiefs have a tough schedule early on, so they better get on the same page, quickly. After all, the early bird gets the worm, Go Chiefs.
Bonus Bird Brained Droppings
Chris Jones must have been eating like a bird. Dropped weight and is looking trim. Tyreek Hill seems to be the Night Owl. Conley has said Hill is the best at Fortnight, because he doesn’t sleep. Sutton seems to be taking some positive steps, but if he thinks he can keep dropping Justin Houston in coverage, he’s crazy as a loon. With Mahomes under center, Chiefs hope to score more TDs, as the crow flies, rather than relying on screen passes, zone reads and trickery. They’ll have to hope he’s not free as a bird with the ball, once the regular season starts though. The interceptions are already piling up. With a stellar career under his belt, Reid will likely be in the hall of fame, some day, but he’d love to feather his nest with a Super Bowl win or two, before he flies off into the sunset.
If you are viewing this in Apple News and would like to join the Discussion, [GO HERE.](http://arrowheadone.com/chiefs-ugly-ducklings-bird-brained-thoughts-about-suttons-flock-of-unsettling-starters/#disqus_thread)