In the last couple of post, I broke down the complete "Offense". The "Turning Tide" was a quick run through of the "O"- line. "Weapons of Mass Destruction" touched on the wide & slot recievers we have."Clash of the Titans" talked about the potential 3 headed monster we have in the backfield. "Booomm Shak-a-Lacka"dropped the bomb on Matt Cassel's stats from the '09 season. 

 In this post, it's going to be about the "D". There has been a lot of talk amongst ourselves about the poor tackling, the lack of pressure on the opposing quarterback, and the infamous "Dude, Their gonna throw it deep on us" jester in the back of our minds.

 First and foremost I'd like to be the one to say out of all those things, poor tackling is the one that drives me crazy. How many times have we seen the repetitive sight of seeing an opposing teams player slip away from a would be Chief defender? It's hard to question whats happening so lets talk about our front 7.

 TYSON JACKSON                                                                                                                   

 Drafted No #3 in the 2009 draft overall, many people thought he was a reach. Based on how well he played last year I think they were right. His head wasn't in the game. Maybe he was spending most of his time thinking what he wanted to buy with his $30 Million. Overall 338th in NFL in tackles.

There were 39 Defensive Ends who played in the 3-4. Jackson graded out dead last at No. #39.

Despite playing over 700 snaps, he recorded no quarterback sacks, was never used in coverage, and was ranked as the worst run defender of all Defensive Ends. No one was anywhere close. Known as a "hot and cold" player in college he needs to turn it up this year. Way up 

                                    GLENN DORSEY

 Dorsey was put in a bad situation.

 A defensive tackle forced to play defensive end, he'll never reach his true potential as an end. If used correctly he could be a 4-3 Pro Bowler. Being used as an end at barely six feet tall with short arms and little chasing speed, I feel bad for him. Overall 204th in NFL in tackles.

All that being said, Dorsey finished at No. 17. He actually was third in the NFL in tackles at his position and only missed one tackle all year. He also was fifth in the NFL in QB pressures with 16.

Despite his pressures, he just lacks the speed outside to run down QB and  RBs, but give him an A+ for effort and unselfish play. He is easily my favorite player on this team, next to Hali.

                           RON EDWARDS

   Edwards had a mediocre first season at NT. Among 14 players with over 700 snaps at that position, he ranked No. 11. The good part is he was average against the run at No. Seven. Overall 440th in NFL in tackles.

He was hardly a factor as a pass rusher and couldn't split the double team. He always gave maximum effort but should be a backup. Unless Romeo Crennel can teach an old dog news tricks, they need an upgrade.

The Chiefs did not address the Nose Tackle position in the draft  this year. Which leads me to believe they have their guy in house, or they are holding off for next years draft.  This is a key position in any 3-4 defensive schemes.

                                      TAMBA HALI

 For outside backers in the 3-4, Hali held his own. Out of 28, he ranked at No. 12. The reason for that high ranking was based on his quarterback sacks and pressures.  Overall 146th in NFL in tackles

The bad side is that he ranked dead last against the run. He gives great effort but is too easily blocked. He also ranked almost dead last in pass coverage as (so was Jared Allen). On a good team, he would be an end, or if playing Linebacker, would only play on passing downs.

Instead, Tamba Hali was on the field more than any Outside Linebacker in football. He never came off the field. He has a huge motor and should be better this year with 1 year's experience. 10+sacks?

                         MIKE VRABEL

 Overall, Vrabel ranked right behind Hali at No. 13.

His strength was against the run, missing only four tackles all season. As a pass rusher he registered just three sacks. That now makes five for the last two years combined. Overall 216th in NFL in tackles

He was not penalized all season but was below average in pass coverage but still makes smart decisions on the field.

                             COREY MAYS

 Mays was horrible last season. After thrilling fans with a great preseason, his play in the regular season was downright awful. Overall 63rd in NFL in tackles

Out of 64 Linebackers, he graded out dead last (No. 64.) Right at the bottom. He pressured the QB only two times, and led all inside linebackers with 16 missed tackles,  many of them resulting in touchdowns.

Considering his snaps, its was the worst percentage in football. His coverage skills were slightly below average.

He also doesn't maintain his gap responsibilities and is often suckered on play action. He needs to be replaced. NOW.......Where the hell is Derrick Johnson(346th)?

                                        DEMORRIO WILLIAMS

 Williams played inside last year.

Although he had 105 tackles, that is misleading because he plays a position where one is expected to have the most tackles. Overall 16th in NFL in tackles

He missed eight would be tackles on the year, was a non factor as a rusher and was below average in pass coverage.

Just one more player being forced to play an alien position. Overall rating was almost as bad as Mays ranking No. 49.

 Jovan Belcher (250th) missed no tackles last year after making the switch from Defensive End in college.

How many players are out of position?  How will they far in their 2nd year in this style of defense.

Part 2: The 4 Thieves... "A Crime of Passin".

 "Gas up the Carr, grab some Flowers, don't forget the "black" Berry, & make sure you turn the Page."