5 reasons Chiefs can win the Super Bowl this year

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 20: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts in the second half against the New England Patriots during the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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With head coach Andy Reid, left, and general manager Brett Veach, right, the Kansas City Chiefs introduce Frank Clark, former Seattle Seahawks defensive end, at the Stram Theatre at the team’s training facility in Kansas City, Mo., on Friday, April 26, 2019. (Jill Toyoshiba/Kansas City Star/TNS via Getty Images) /

3. The defensive front

One thing is for certain, the Chiefs’ defense is going to look a lot different up front in 2019. Dee Ford and Justin Houston are both gone. In their place, Frank Clark and Alex Okafor have arrived to man the two defensive end spots.

At first glance, that looks like a downgrade in terms of explosiveness. After all, Ford got to the opposing quarterback 13 times and Houston added nine sacks for this defense in 2018. That doesn’t mean they were a better pairing than Clark and Okafor will be this season.

One indisputable fact is that Ford and Houston got a ton of opportunities to rush the passer due to their prolific offense last season. That inflated their sack totals. Both are certainly talented pass rushers, but their production could easily decrease after leaving the Chiefs.

Clark and Okafor also happen to be better run defenders than either of the ends they are replacing. That might not help Kansas City in a blowout, but it could be vital for the team’s hopes of making a deep postseason run.

Lastly, Chris Jones is back to anchor the middle of the defensive line. He’s primed to have a monster year in terms of both sacks and tackle for loss. No one should be surprised if this defensive front takes a major step forward next year.

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