Chiefs' Todd Haley Breaks Down The Lions Defense

The Kansas City Chiefs will be making the trip up north this weekend to take on the Detroit Lions and they'll be doing so as heavy underdogs. One of the reasons the Chiefs are 'dogs, I think, is that they've recently struggled against teams with top defensive lines and the Lions have one of the best.

Chiefs coach Todd Haley talked about the Lions defense at his Wednesday press conference (via KCChiefs.com) and started with a man named Suh.

The Suh Factor: "Defensively, it starts up front with specifically No. 90 [Ndamukong] Suh, one of the really big-time inside players."

Haley's talked about the big, strong dude that is Ndamukong Suh but you can't say it enough -- this guy is going to be a problem in Week 2. 

Defensive Line: "But the entire defensive line, I think, kind of sets the tone for their defense and what they're trying to do. They're physical, they're fast, they [have a] high motor, they're not afraid to pressure, but yet, they play coverage and create some issues that way. They look like they're playing good defense."

"Not afraid to pressure"....this is Gunther Cunningham we're talking about. They're going to be bringing the heat and when you do that with a defensive line like they have, it could be a tough day for Matt Cassel and Co. The Chiefs have to be prepared for the pressure that's coming on Sunday.

Crowd Noise: "So, on top of that, having been in Chicago and coached there a few times, I know the fans are excited and the place will be loud and that will be a potential factor in the game that we have to make sure that we handle."    

I can't believe we're talking about Detroit and a raucous environment but they're sold out up there. Think back to the Chiefs last year, after the San Diego game, and everyone was hyped up on the Chiefs. I think that's how it is in Detroit. There's a lot of optimism flowing through the Motor City. The easiest way to keep a crowd quiet is a fast start.