3 bold predictions for the Chiefs 2022 season

2. Chiefs bold prediction: Steve Spagnuolo’s defense leads league in sacks

It’s interesting to note that the Pittsburgh Steelers are the only team since the 1970 merger to lead the NFL in sacks two consecutive years. It’s even more fascinating when you realize that T.J. Watt and company have managed this feat five straight years dating back to 2017 – Watt’s first season in the league.

But there was one season during that stretch that Mike Tomlin’s club shared the sack title. In 2018, the Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs each finished with 52 quarterback traps. Reid’s team captured the top seed in the AFC and would host the first of four straight conference title games. But other than that sack total, there wasn’t much to write home about when it came to Kansas City’s defense that year.

And it’s also worth noting that the club has digressed every year since when it comes to sacks. Those 52 QB traps in ’18 was followed by 45 sacks in 2019 (and a Super Bowl LIV title), 32 sacks in 2020 and just 31 quarterback traps in 17 outings this past season.

But there are some new faces on the defensive front, namely veteran Carlos Dunlap and 2022 first-round pick George Karlaftis (Purdue). Chris Jones and Frank Clark return as well. But those aforementioned additions will breathe new life into the Chiefs’ pass rush.