Has our defense been HARSHLY judged?

[UChieffyBugger]

It seems to be in fashion to knock the Chiefs defense. WE as fans slaughter them daily, the local press slaughter then daily, the NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL media slaughter them daily, and when I sit and think about the circumstances sounding that group, one could argue that they are getting judged a little harshly.

Now let's start with the preseason. Ragland and Hitchens played ONE warm-up together against the Bears and both missed several practice sessions. Nelson got knocked out of the Atlanta game and missed sessions himself, whilst Parker wasn't even In our building during the preseason. Then we have Ford who Is just returning to the team after being out for most of last season, and Houston barely played In the warm-up games himself.

Last year there was a perception that we had "the worst defense known to man", but I argued it was an overblown notion because the reality was that we were around fifteenth In the points allowed tally. But that notion has stuck with the team and now this unit that has barely played together Is thrown together and Is trying to both gel as a unit and get their football legs going all whilst facing TWO quality offenses on the road. The Pats defense started off badly too last year and then managed to be a decent unit until the superbowl where they contrived to drop their best corner, so there is a clear example of how things can change quickly In this game.

[ThaVirus]

Originally Posted by RealSNR

Sutton isn’t the only piece of this diarrhea defense puzzle.

But he’s a pretty damn ****ing big piece.

The 2003 Chiefs defense, people forget, had a couple blowouts. They got turnovers and stayed aggressive when they had leads against shitty teams.

This team will never do that because of Sutton

We've blown hella teams out in the Reid/Sutton era.. Come on, man.

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by HolyHandgernade

They're not a good defense because they can't enforce their will upon the other team. But, I look at this team a bit differently than most. The defense plays well enough to allow the offense to build a lead and then plays prevent to drain time and not get beat for quick scores.

Its a frustrating strategy, especially for those of us who remember the glory years of the defense in KC, but say what you will, it is a winning strategy. It is not allowing the opposing team enough time to catch up and trusting the offense can bail out if necessary.

If we play more honest and pressing defense like we did in the first half, considering the injuries we have on the back end, it makes sense to give up the short and middle stuff to eat up time. It doesn't matter if you win by 1 or 30. If, on the other hand, you try play more aggressive, making the safeties more vulnerable, you run the risk of quicker scoring by the offense.

If I knew the safeties we have could get the job done, I would be more comfortable going to a more aggressive set. But if you know the safeties are vulnerable and you're consistently up over 20 points in the games, I think its smart to keep the action in front of them and make them eat the clock, hope you get a stop every once and a while or hold to a field goal.

We don't have the Rams' defense, its time to stop wishing we did. We will try to take advantage of our offense, hope the defense can do their part to stake early leads, and then hold on. So far, it is a winning strategy.

It's a winning strategy in the regular season. It's not a good recipe in the playoffs and sends a big clue as to why Andy Reid has won a lot of playoff games, but also has lost plenty in frustrating fashion.

I just don't understand with an explosive team, why make a game close at the end when you could just put it away. It's not like we're talking about icing games in the 4th quarter. We go into this mode the minute we're up by 2 scores, even if that's in the 1st quarter. I'm not sure a DC change fixes this.

[ThaVirus]

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

It's a winning strategy in the regular season. It's not a good recipe in the playoffs and sends a big clue as to why Andy Reid has won a lot of playoff games, but also has lost plenty in frustrating fashion.

I just don't understand with an explosive team, why make a game close at the end when you could just put it away. It's not like we're talking about icing games in the 4th quarter. We go into this mode the minute we're up by 2 scores, even if that's in the 1st quarter. I'm not sure a DC change fixes this.

We've had two of the worst defensive collapses in playoff history. I see nothing to suggest that strategy is likely to change.

At this point, we can only hope Mahomes is able to Reid-proof this team.

[HolyHandgernade]

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

It's a winning strategy in the regular season. It's not a good recipe in the playoffs and sends a big clue as to why Andy Reid has won a lot of playoff games, but also has lost plenty in frustrating fashion.

I just don't understand with an explosive team, why make a game close at the end when you could just put it away. It's not like we're talking about icing games in the 4th quarter. We go into this mode the minute we're up by 2 scores, even if that's in the 1st quarter. I'm not sure a DC change fixes this.

I get that. But the playoffs are still a long ways out, and the makeup of our defense may be different by that time. Some of our players are new and may gel better by then.

My only hope right now is that the defense played really well in the first half and showed improvement from the previous two weeks. Heat and exhaustion are always a concern in the early part of the year. I imagine some of it was also too much juice for the home opener which produced a performance drop off in the second half.

Until someone shows they can stop this offense and the defense does enough to get the victory, I'm not going to panic. Two of those victories were on the road. All three offenses are some of the better offenses in the League. Its just too early to say the defense won't be enough for this offense in the playoffs.

[chinaski]

I'd like to formally offer the Kansas City Chiefs my dog Sam to help with the Defensive Secondary. He likes to chase balls, quite frankly he is exceptional at it. He also isn't afraid to jump on people, as he does it with me constantly. His habitual leg humping would come in handy bringing down opposing teams receivers and running backs. Once he grabs hold, he does not let go.

I'm not sure what his actual numbers are, but he has no problem running and literally flying through the air pouncing on whomever is sitting on the couch or La-Z-Boy. This attribute could be utilized on the football field.

He also works cheap and would take a team friendly deal. Not only that, he pees on anything he doesn't like.

[TEX]

Originally Posted by chinaski

I'd like to formally offer the Kansas City Chiefs my dog Sam to help with the Defensive Secondary. He likes to chase balls, quite frankly he is exceptional at it. He also isn't afraid to jump on people, as he does it with me constantly. His habitual leg humping would come in handy bringing down opposing teams receivers and running backs. Once he grabs hold, he does not let go.

I'm not sure what his actual numbers are, but he has no problem running and literally flying through the air pouncing on whomever is sitting on the couch or La-Z-Boy. This attribute could be utilized on the football field.

He also works cheap and would take a team friendly deal. Not only that, he pees on anything he doesn't like.

Bring him in for a look!

[scho63]

If San Fran didn't shit the bed with so many penalties, our D would have let up 500 yards again. That's appalling.

[beach tribe]

Say what you want, they have looked like shit, but they are improving, and I dont know what you guys were watching but i was happy with Sutton today.
I thought he was a little more aggressive. I feel like he had fewer snaps with three guys rushing the passer.
We had some blown coverages, but we got after the passer a little better and i feel like when the secondary settles in and Berry comes back it will create more turnovers.
If we somehow get Earl Thomas, this team is going to the SB.
Mark it down

[Jimmya]

Did you miss the 3rd and 20 where Sutton lined up 8 guys at 21 yds and the 49ers picked up an EASY first down?

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Jimmya

Did you miss the 3rd and 20 where Sutton lined up 8 guys at 21 yds and the 49ers picked up an EASY first down?

Did you miss where 3 different guys had a chance to tackle him 5 yards short of the first down and whiffed?

[Nightfyre]

Our defense can't tackle as a whole and our safeties look completely lost. If that doesn't indicate a failure on the part of the DC, I don't know what does. Fundamental flaws in how the players are coached.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Nightfyre

Our defense can't tackle as a whole and our safeties look completely lost. If that doesn't indicate a failure on the part of the DC, I don't know what does. Fundamental flaws in how the players are coached.

This is the NFL, these guys make millions of dollars and almost all of them have been playing organized football for over a decade.

NFL coaches don't coach "fundamentals". If they have to take time out of scheming and practicing plays to teach "fundamentals", it's because the players freaking suck.

[beach tribe]

Originally Posted by Jimmya

Did you miss the 3rd and 20 where Sutton lined up 8 guys at 21 yds and the 49ers picked up an EASY first down?

Thats actually the right call on third and 20.

Players have to make the tackle.

I have been one of Suttons harsher critics. I expect better, but today was a step in the right direction IMO.

[ChiefaRoo]

If KC could get Berry and Thomas on the field at the same time and running the D this team could win it all. That’s worth a super high pic to the Seahawks.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by ChiefaRoo

If KC could get Berry and Thomas on the field at the same time and running the D this team could win it all. That’s worth a super high pic to the Seahawks.

At this rate, our first round pick is going to be 25th or later at the very worst. If that's what they want for Thomas, give it to them.