K.C. Chiefs 2020 Defensive Evolution

K.C. Chiefs 2020 Defensive Evolution – We know how good the offense is and they will continue to be top tier of the NFL. However, to consistently win year after year we need at least a top 10 performance from the defense. In 2 years time, we have seen big changes in the Chiefs defense. In 2018 with Bob Sutton as Coordinator, they were near the bottom in league rankings.

2018: The Past

Not Good Enough

• #31 overall
• #24 scoring
• #31 passing yards
• #31 rushing average

The Makeover

In the 2019 season we’ve seen a complete makeover of the defense. The Chiefs moved on from Bob Sutton, and Steve Spagnuolo was hired as Defensive Coordinator. Then he hired his own new assistants:

The Chiefs also moved on from these defensive players as starters:

• Eric Berry – released
• Justin Houston – released
• Dee Ford – traded
• Allen Bailey – free agent
• Steve Nelson – free agent

All the Right Moves

The 2019 season began with new additions throughout the defense. Those new starters included:

• DE Frank Clark – acquired in a trade
• S Tyrann Mathieu – signed as a free agent
• DE Alex Okafor – signed as a free agent
•  LB Damien Wilson – signed as a free agent
• CB Charvarius Ward – promoted
• S Juan Thornhill – rookie from the draft
• CB Bashaud Breeland* – signed as a free agent

*Breeland started from game 2 through the end of the season.

Maximized Development

Also new on defense, these players evolved:

• Tanoh Kpassagnon – was moved to DE and in his 3rd year and given more snaps
• DT Khalen Saunders – from the draft
• DE Emmanuel Ogbah – acquired by trade
• CB Kendall Fuller – given Safety snaps where he performed better
• Safety Daniel Sorensen – 6th season with the team and became a leader
• LB Ben Niemann – 2nd year UDFA who began to blossom
• CB Rashad Fenton – rookie draft pick who grew as the season grew
• Chris Jones – who played his stellar self, proving to be the 2nd best defensive tackle in the league behind #1 Aaron Donald.

Halfway thru the 2019 season, DT Mike Pennel was added as a free agent. Then DE Terrell Suggs was added as another free agent for last two games of regular season. Suggs served as a vital addition, just based on his veteran playoff experience. His timely plays on field and his voice served well thru the end of the season, including key times in playoffs and Super Bowl. His input and study habits were well appreciated by everyone, team and fans alike. LB Anthony Hitchens, LB Reggie Ragland, DT Derrick Nnadi, were also starters and Nnadi in particular began to excel.

No Popping the Clutch

Lots of change from 2018 to 2019 meant slow start for defensive efficacy. With all the new assistant coaches and new players, new Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo knew that the chemistry, cohesion, and learning curve… would take some time.

First 8 games of 2019:

• Points per game – 22.6 (17th in the NFL)
• Total yards per game – 377.0 (24th)
• Total yards per play – 5.5 (15th)
• Passing yards per game – 232.0 (11th)
• Opposing QB rating – 90.0 (16th)
• Sacks – 25 (5th)
• Rushing yards per game – 145.0 (30th)
• Rushing yards per attempt – 4.93 (29th)
• First downs per game – 23.9 (30th)
• Third-down percentage – 39.2 (15th)
• Time of possession – 32:36 (29th)

In a piece by James Palmer called, Steve Spagnuolo’s Defensive Overhaul has Chiefs in Prime Form for NFL.com, he interviewed Safety Tyrann Mathieu and shared:

“We started feeling it,” Mathieu told me of the 24-17 win over the Chargers. “That Mexico game, I remember talking to Frank (Clark) specifically. Him and Chris Jones specifically. And those guys, the look in their eyes. They were tired of what people were saying about us defensively and it was like they were ready. Ready to just start dominating, and they have been.”

Since Week 11, the Chiefs had yielded just 11.5 points per game, a spectacular decrease from the 23.9 points per game they gave up through the first 10 weeks of the season. Teams ran all over Kansas City through those first 10 outings, to the tune of 148.1 yards per game, but ever since the mindset transformed during their trip south of the border, the Chiefs had allowed just 95 yards a game on the ground.

2020: The Future

Steve Spagnuolo had 2 different stints with New York Giants. This is what Spags other teams did from year 1 to year 2.

2007: Spags 1st year with NY Giants

2008 Spags 2nd year with NY Giants

2015 Spags 1st year with NY Giants (2nd time around)

2016 Spags 2nd year with NY Giants (2nd time around)

Evolution “Second” to None

Now, what can we expect from the defensive unit going forward? Continuity with all the coaches and key players (except Kendall Fuller and Emmanuel Ogbah signed elsewhere) returning is a distinct advantage. New additions of drafted rookies: LB Willie Gay Jr. and CB L’Jarius Sneed could have quick production and make an impact. Bashaud Breeland getting suspended to start the season could hurt, but Rashard Fenton could step in and perform, or a number of other unproven young players could surprise us. Huge difference for most players to be running in the same defense… versus… learning an all new system. Players can now be more aggressive and sure of their jobs right from very start of season. The coaches also now know players strengths and weaknesses. I believe this defensive squad is the deepest, and with good quality, since late 1990’s.

Top 10 defense? Maybe even Top 5!!!

Alan Haupt — ArrowheadOne

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