The 2018-19 Kansas City Chiefs proved to be one of the best four teams in the NFL, but their flawed defense kept them from playing for a Super Bowl. We examine how the Chiefs can rebuild their defense this off-season.
The Kansas City Chiefs put together one of the best offensive performances we’ve seen since the Greatest Show on Turf Rams en route to the No. 1 AFC seed and a 12-4 record. Patrick Mahomes established himself as the NFL’s best quarterback in his first starting season, and the unit appears to be set for a long time with most of their key playmakers in their prime for years to come.
But their defense remained an eye-sore for the majority of the season, and ultimately cost them a trip to the Super Bowl in the Conference Championship round. While some will blame the flawed overtime structure for not giving the offense another chance, the team had their opportunities to beat the New England Patriots.
Mahomes missed several throws he normally hits and was inconsistent as pressure continually reached him. The likely-MVP still wasn’t the biggest reason the Chiefs lost, even if he didn’t play his best.
The defense surrendered a ghastly 68 percent conversion rate, and was on the field nearly 44 minutes. They also failed to register a sack, and allowed a whopping 176 yards on the ground. The only positive for the unit was the two interceptions they forced.
Anyone that watched the Chiefs this year or even read game recaps know the unit wasn’t up to snuff for the majority of the season. They finished 24th in points allowed per-game, 31st in yards, and 26th in defensive DVOA. They need an overhaul to maximize Mahomes’ rookie contract window.
We’ve identified five moves for the franchise to prioritize to help boost the unit to an average or better level. The Chiefs have enough cap room and draft picks to be creative, but not enough to spend recklessly. Those limitations will be accounted for.
1. Fire Bob Sutton as defensive coordinator
The most logical first step the team can make is to change the architect of a predictable unit. Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton has been in place since 2013, but the 67-year-old’s message and creativity have dipped in each of the last two seasons. His defenses have gone from top-seven in each of his first four seasons to 15th and 24th in points in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
While true the Chiefs’ talent has worsened in that timeframe, the scheme itself is flawed and rigid. As highlighted last week, the Patriots’ game-plan was predictable, and yet the Chiefs’ corners lost over and over on similar plays as they had earlier in the season. Playing press-man on the vast majority of snaps isn’t viable unless the unit is loaded with pass rushers and elite corners.
Potential suitors should find this job extremely attractive. The unit has talent in place already, and the offense creates quite a cushion with how many points they score. Andy Reid’s presence and job security also bodes well for concerns of turnover.