The Chiefs Defensive Line: Playing with Urgency!
David Bell
It’s not like Spags’ team doesn’t know Kyler Murray. The Kansas City Chiefs DC, Steve Spagnuolo, understands the threat, but, at the same time, I cannot conceive of the defense being unprepared. From what we witnessed in camp and preseason, the Chiefs should have a game plan to counter Kyler Murray’s efforts. There is an urgency to the pass-rush effort in 2022, and we all witnessed the lack of it in 2021. Multiple factors will be brought to play in 2022.
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Spagnuolo said a lot in his presser this week. He observed the following about week one and here’s Spagnuolo speaking about Cardinal’s QB Kyler Murray.
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“In some ways. You know they’re all different. But he’s electric like Lamar (Jackson). Like Josh Allen’s different, right? But this guy gives you the same headaches that all those guys that are a threat to run, not just on designed quarterback runs, but when he decides to do it, especially on a pass play, and he’s got a unique feel for when he – especially if you’re in man (coverage) – (has) got a unique feel for finding that. And when he takes off and gets north and south – you guys have seen the film – that can be a problem.”
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Biggest Worry? Frank Clark
Thursday, Frank Clark was reported as absent due to illness. As it turned out, he was out in LA, pleading guilty to two misdemeanors, and was back at practice Friday. At first, I was utterly irritated that Clark was “sick” again. I expected Clark to have a renewed presence and that his weight loss, plus cutting out alcohol, would give him the edge that we all hoped Clark would bring to the “Edge.” Instead, the best we saw was the 2019 post-season, and he was a factor in getting to the Super Bowl. From then on, we saw little of the player Veach went out and got.
As I started the article, I was ready to blast him – and had to take it back after finding out the reason for his absence on Thursday; there was an article explaining Clark’s criminal charges were resolved. On Friday, the truth was revealed. I experienced a feeling of relief after learning it was not an illness. Let’s hope Clark’s mind is clear and both men arrive on the field vs. the Cardinals in top form.
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The Dunlap Key and the GK Factor
Carlos Dunlap had been nursing a strained and inflamed Achilles Tendon, but he returned to practice this week. It appears that all systems are “GO” for Carlos, which is a key to the Defensive Front Four’s success. With Dunlap and Clark playing well, we should all be excited to see what the defensive line does in this game.
I very much dislike hearing about such injuries. Seth Keysor of “Chiefs in the North” and I exchanged about the recent increase in the frequency of this type of ailment. At the end of our conversation, he could only speculate that it was the increase in muscularity and muscle body mass as related to the tendon, and I agree. Compared to players of my era — ’60s and ’70s — players are far more advanced in Physical Training. It has created a new problem. Dunlap was back at the Chiefs practice Thursday. If he is full bore go, and Clark is ready to rock n’ roll, then the Front Four is will potent. It wasn’t just about the Chiefs. When Seth and I exchanged about Achilles injuries, we discussed the commonality around the NFL. It’s a league-wide problem.
Do you recall that I factored in George Karlaftis and gave him a prediction of eight sacks for the 2022 season? His persistent motor is going to be a factor in this game. During the three preseason games, Karlaftis was a constant thorn in the side of the opposing QB.
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Suppose Spagnuolo puts Dunlap and Clark as Edge Rushers on the field… and… from the inside, utilizes Chris Jones and George Karlaftis? In that case, I believe the success of the pass rush getting to the opposing QB, will exceed fifty sacks. I am not accounting for hurries, QB hits, batted passes, and disruptions. My view of what he can accomplish as an edge rusher in 2022 was multiplied by the tape I reviewed. This is exactly what the Doctor ordered. Plus, from all I have heard and seen, the Chiefs DL players really like DL Coach Joe Cullen.
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Chris Jones has stated this a couple of times as have several other players. ArrowheadPride has a good article about Joe Cullen and the players, written by John Dixon, read it here. Dixon points out that:
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“Now 54, he [Joe Cullen] has coached at Richmond, LSU, Memphis, Indiana, Illinois and Idaho State — and the NFL’s Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens. Ever since 1991 — when he took over the Massachusetts defensive line — he’s served defensive units as either the line coach or coordinator.”
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Cullen gives credos to many players, and they feed it right back!
Yes, I know DL Coach Joe Cullen and Spagnuolo will mix and match along the front line. We will see Mike Danna and Tershawn Wharton in play. However, when it comes down to the bottom line for pass rushing plays: Dunlap, Clark, Jones, and Karlaftis will be the big guys on the field.
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Standard fare for 2022 will be varied and modified depending on the team they face each week. Cullen has the right players in the mix. The Front four will surprise many, especially if Chris Jones has another great season. With Jones, Dunlap, Clark, and Karlaftis, they’re going to create a good mix of various approaches to pressuring the passer, despite the caveats about Frank Clark’s Thursday “absence” and Carlos Dunlap’s “Achilles.”
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Spagnuolo’s Counter: The X-Factor
Leo Chenal is a heat-seeking missile, ready to impart wisdom in the mind of Kyler Murray. It will depend on the reads. Chenal has the right tools to close on Murray, and speed to make plays. Chenal can be on the field lined up at any frame for a fifth pass rusher. A play like that would be great to see –> Leo getting a sack, or, watching him flush Murray or disrupt Kyler’s throwing motion. I see Chenal as X-Factor #1 for the pass rush.
At the same time, Willie Gay intercepting a pass would be icing on the cake.
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X-Factor #2
In the preseason games, we saw how the Safeties came though and were hitting hard when making tackles. Justin Reid, Juan Thornhill, Deon Bush, and Bryan Cook all made big plays in support of the defense against the run, including taking down the opposing QB. I look for more of this type of success from the safeties. We should also see Spagnuolo call a Safety Blitz several times during the game.
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The Defense Effort
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The Big Question: Can the Defense Get QB Pressures?
I am back to stating that yes, we will see a potent defense in 2022, even if it has hiccups along the way due to the Youth Movement. Kyler Murray does not have his top WR as Deandre Hopkins is serving a 6-game suspension. Rondale Moore, another primary Murray target, has also been ruled out. As a result, Murray will have a tough time finding an open receiver. That is going to force Murray to take on more of a load. He is going to be under pressure all game long. Trying to live up to his recent hype and his brand spanking new salary will, I think, force him to make decisions on the field that will end up being errors or, more importantly, Turnovers. I look for 3 turnovers in this game. At the same time, I think the Chiefs offense will play essentially error-free ball.
A couple of other Cardinal Situations with injuries are also a factor. TE Zach Ertz had a ‘Questionable’ status as of Friday, and Offensive Lineman Cody Ford has been ruled ‘out’ for the contest. This all is a factor that is favorable to the Chiefs. I am not rooting for any player to be injured, but the game’s reality must be taken into account. The Chiefs play two football games in five days. It’s essential to walk away with a win. I look for the offense to have a successful day, but I think the defense will be the power that provides the win.
Do you think Spagnuolo’s young defense begins to prove itself in Week One? That’s what I believe is going to happen.
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Week One Prediction: Chiefs 38-Cardinals 20
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David Bell — ArrowheadOne
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