Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs can make statement in likely playoff preview

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 25: Running back Charcandrick West

The Chiefs are an evolving team that is trying to steady itself just when it needs it the most.

The Chiefs defensive unit turned in a sterling all-around performance in week 3 versus the Jets. That’s good timing, as the next two contests feature tough opponents. First, a likely playoff team in Pittsburgh followed by a division rival with the same record through 3 weeks.

We have seen and written a lot on the secondary’s outing versus the New York passing game. Yes, it was fortuitous and it was elite and it earned Marcus Peters the AFC Defensive player of the Week. It was not, however, the only aspect of the defense that stood out in week three.

The Chiefs run defense took another step forward. It limited Matt Forte, who had been tearing it up as a Jet, to his lowest rush total of the season at 65 yards. That is something the team can build on, especially as they face the return of Le’Veon Bell to the Steelers lineup.

Matt Williams, the former scout and ESPN analyst, now covers the Steelers broadcasts and runs the Locked on NFL podcast. He joined Chris and I on the LoC podcast to give some insight on the Steelers. Here’s the show:

The Chiefs defense is improving as an overall unit and that says something. After three games, it ranks 11th in total yards allowed and passing yards allowed. Most importantly, the Chiefs defense now ranks 3rd in the AFC in points allowed. Only New England and Baltimore have allowed fewer points in 2016. That will certainly be tested with Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Bell, but it’s a very good foundation for this young roster. At the end of the day, both of these teams are likely going to be playoff teams. A win this week will make a statement.

Can the Guards Right this Offense?

Luck may be turning for this unit in week 4. This week saw both starting guards, Parker Ehinger and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, back at practice. Ehinger is still limited, but improving. That is good news for the run game. The offense recorded its season-low average yards per carry versus the Jets. Having the starting guards back, particularly LDT, will boost that aspect of the offense.

What Pass Rush?

KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 11: Linebacker Dee Ford

Overshadowed by the spectacular play of the secondary in week three was the failure of the Chiefs pass rush. Some have been quick to point out that they were able to push the pocket against the Jets. That’s all well and good, but they didn’t get the job done. They recorded just 4 QB hits and zero sacks. That is an abysmal rate of only 9% success rate getting to the passer.

You have to do better against Ben Roethlisberger. You have to beat the blockers and hit him. He is very tough to sack, but is susceptible if you win the battle and make contact. Collisions are the name of the game versus Roethlisberger. Moving him off of his spot will not help you win this ballgame. The Chiefs have to have sacks.

KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 25: Chris Conley

Conley Quietly Growing into a Weapon

The Chiefs have a viable #2 receiver in Chris Conley. Conley had a solid outing last week, notching more receiving yards than Jeremy Maclin. Conley has molded his game to his physical latents and it is paying off. In his 2nd season, Conley has been able to use his strength as well as his speed. It was a convincing display as he battered the Jets Darrelle Revis repeatedly last Sunday. See here:

Conley’s functional strength has become an asset. Here he tosses the former Top CB in the #NFL around & cuts for separation#Chiefs pic.twitter.com/sxPzFWXA2r

— Ryan Tracy (@RyanTracyNFL) September 28, 2016

On another reception, Conley makes the grab and attacks the coverage for additional yards. Yep, That’s Revis again.

Stat of the Week

Zero. That’s not usually my favorite number. It’s a terrible ranking and not a descriptor you want to be associated with. But, it’s good when referring to the Chiefs 0-4 performance.

In this case, the Chiefs defense allowed 0 red zone conversions against the Jets. New York had four chances in the redzone. Say what you want about Ryan Fitzpatrick, it is still an elite metric for a young defense. They will have some lows, but this was a very big high.

AFC West Power Rankings

Things are settling out in the AFC West. On a neutral field, this is how it plays out at this point in the season.