Kansas City Chiefs Ransom Hawthorne

Sizzling Take: Under New Formula, Chiefs Defense Is Good Enough

Ransom Hawthorne September 22, 2018 No Comments

 

Sizzling Take: Under New Formula,

Chiefs Defense Is Good Enough

 

by Ransom Hawthorne

 

Hot Take: Under New Formula,

Chiefs Defense Is OK

I’m well aware that the Chiefs rank dead last in defensive DVOA. I’m well aware that their secondary is in need of a massive overhaul. I realize that the pass rush isn’t what it needs to be. What fans fail to realize, is that none of that matters, like it used to. Forget the old formula for winning games (bend don’t break, long drives, low risk, high percentage, run the ball, etc.). Chiefs are 2-0 and it’s time to adjust to how they got there.

 

Unstoppable Offense

Chiefs boast one of the most talented QBs in the NFL, paired with an above average OL, and the best group of three pass catchers you’ll find on any team, in the NFL. Against the Chargers, Mahomes led the offense to four touchdowns, and a field goal. Add in a stellar punt return by Tyreek Hill (Chiefs STs units rank first in the league in DVOA), and Chiefs scored 38 points. Then, against the Steelers, Mahomes threw for 6 TDs, for 42 points, with only four failed drives. Since 1940, NFL teams scoring 37+ points with 0 turnovers were 653-1 (till Chiefs beat the Steelers, making that 653-2). If Chiefs offense can average 38 points a game, while still avoiding turnovers, it basically doesn’t matter how bad their defense is. They’re going to win 99.84% of the time. 

 

 

 

Elite Special Teams

Whether it’s Tyreek Hill, DAT, or one of the unsung heroes of Toub’s units, they’ve been much improved, from last year, and have had a direct impact, on both games. Football is a game of inches, Chiefs STs units are helping the defense with great kickoff coverage, and return units. Against the Chiefs, the Chargers only started outside the 25 yard line once. They started inside the 15 four times. Steelers had just two drives, outside the 25, and four inside (3 of the 4 were inside the 16). Never underestimate the value of momentum. A great STs play, before the drive starts, can set the tone. At the very least, it gives Chiefs defense a longer field, to work with.

 

Good Enough To Get Some Stops

In both week 1, and 2, Chiefs defense was able to keep the opposing team from scoring on five of their drives. Granted, that’s not great, but when Mahomes is scoring, almost every drive, all you need is a couple stops to get a stranglehold, on the lead, and Chiefs D has provided that. Chiefs fans are used to needing the defense to win games, or to finish the game for the offense (when early scoring turns into “run out the clock” mode). That’s just not the team Chiefs have anymore. The offense is the star of the show. The defense just needs one more stop than Chiefs have punts, in a game. Given the way the offense is performing, that’s a very reasonable task, and one they’ve been able to accomplish, so far.

 

At the End of the Day

At the end of the day, fans want teams that are elite on offense AND defense, but those are a rarity. Chiefs have elected to be the absolute best, in the NFL, on offense, and STs, sometimes, at the expense of the defense. Speaking of the defense, we’re still judging them by an old standard. They don’t have to be great, they don’t even have to be good. All they have to do, is be good enough. So far, worst in the league has still been good enough. Imagine where this team could be, in 8 weeks, with Berry and Sorenson back, and several of the rookies ready to take more snaps. A minor improvement on defense could make the Chiefs team, almost, unbeatable. Let’s hope we see it soon. Go Chiefs.

 

 

 

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