Chiefs switching to 3-4 Defense?
Just as I speculated a few weeks ago ( Chiefs 3-4 Defense) the Chiefs appear to be going to a 3-4 defense. That is of course according to Adam Schefter, who has pretty much NAILED IT recently.
Kansas City announced its coaching staff this week. What it didn’t announce is that the Chiefs are planning to switch to a 3-4 defense.
With the recent firing and hiring at Arrowhead a switch to a 3-4 Defense would make sense right about now and as I have said before with the shape our 4-3 defense was in there isn’t really a better time to test it out (even if we just run a hybrid of the 3-4 defense to start with).
Under the guidance of new defensive coaches Clancy Pendergast and Gary Gibbs, the Chiefs are turning to the defense that has done so well for Pittsburgh and is back in vogue in the NFL. The Chiefs are going 3-4.
One concern that some fans have with the Chiefs switching to a 3-4 defense is what that would mean to last years first round pick Glenn Dorsey.
Now Kansas City is going to have to tailor its personnel accordingly. But what is most intriguing and mysterious about it is where last year’s first-round pick, defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, fits in. Dorsey might not be stout enough to play nose tackle in a 3-4, and he might not be big enough to play end in that style of defense.
One year after becoming Kansas City’s top pick, there now are questions about Dorsey’s role
As I said before I think he would make a good 3-4 DE with the ability that he has shown in the past to penetrate.
I for one am excited about the possible switch to the 3-4 defense for the Chiefs. What do you think? Will a switch to the 3-4 benefit the Chiefs?
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Should Chiefs go to 3-4 Defense?
Ever since it was rumored that the Chiefs were interested in getting Scott Pioli I had been thinking about the possibility of the Chiefs switching to a 3-4 defense.
Scott Pioli has already proved that he can build a very solid 3-4 defense in New England and with the current state of the Chiefs defense I say now is just as good as time as any to build a 3-4.
Here is how I think some of our current players would fit into a 3-4 Defense:
Tank Tyler: Tank has the size and the strength to be a NT in a 3-4 defense (remember when Tank was drafted he benched more than anyone else at the combine). The question is whether he has the ability to play this position as NT is a very key position in the 3-4.
Glenn Dorsey: This is very interesting situation. I think that Dorsey’s ability to penetrate (shown at LSU), and especially since he does not have the size that most like in a NT, that he would make a great 3-4 DE. Now, some would say why would ‘waste’ a #5 overall pick on a 3-4 DE, and to that say I say ‘who cares’. You put your players in the best position for them to succeed. Am I saying that this is the best position for him to succeed in? No, but I’m saying that it could be.
Derrick Johnson: I think that DJ could benefit more than most if the Chiefs went to a 3-4 defense. I’m not sure if DJ would play an outside or one of the middle LB positions, but the 3-4 would definitely allow him to roam around me and get after the QB, something that he has shown flashes of.
Turk McBride: In this scenario it would appear that the Chiefs front three would consist of Tank, Dorsey, and Turk/Tamba. So whoever the Chiefs think would better fit the mold of a 3-4 DE would most likely get the nod here.
Tamba Hali: Same as Turk.
Brandon Flowers: Although Flowers was drafted to be a cover 2 corner he did enough to show me that he can hang one-on-one with almost any WR in the league. So I would not worry about Flowers whether he is in man or zone coverage.
Brandon Carr: Same as Flowers.
Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page: Page and Pollard would retain their post at their respective safety positions. In my perspective they done enough to keep their jobs on the current team (as there is no one better then them on the current roster), but not enough to not be replaced if somebody better comes along (via draft or FA).
Of course all of this is just speculation and will change once free agency and draft take place. I am of the mindset that I will trust Pioli will make the right decisions until proven otherwise. Now, with that said here is a some of what I would do to address the transfer to a 3-4 defense in FA and the draft (if the Chiefs went 3-4 of course).
3-4 Addressed in Free Agency and the Draft:
Sign Terrell Suggs: The Chiefs definitely have enough cap room to take a chance on Suggs in free agency. Suggs would add some instant credibility to the Chiefs defense and is a sack artist. We all know who badly the Chiefs needs someone who can take down the QB. He also has played big in big-time games (at least from what I saw this post-season, even baring injury and also that fact that he is a veteran who has played in big games is big). His closing speed on the QB is what really impressed me.
If the Chiefs did go to a 3-4 defense this would allow them to not worry about getting a top flight DE in the draft as well (and even more so if they signed Suggs). This would allow the Chiefs to look at drafting a MLB (Rey Maualuga from USC or James Laurinaitis from OSU ) or even Aaron Curry from Wake Forest who is being projected as in outside LB in a 4-3 or an inside LB in a 3-4.
Another option this would allow the Chiefs is draft the best available player left. Michael Crabtree anyone? Pioli had Moss in NE and we have all seen what Larry Fitzgarald has done in the playoffs this year. With Bowe and Crabtree at WR the Chiefs would be SET for years to come.
Just to add one more thing here. I am no expert on the 3-4 defense, but I do realize that with the 3-4 defense the importance of the LB position is key. So for the Chiefs to successfully run the 3-4 you have to believe the Chiefs either already have the talent at LB to can get the talent at LB to make this happen. WIth Pioli I am convinced we can indentify and get this talent on the roster.
So there it is… what do you think about the Chiefs running a 3-4 defense?
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Chiefs Rookie Class Grades 2008
I’m not going to lie, I had been thinking about doing this, but it ‘temporairily left my mind’. 
But lucky for me Chris over at Arrowhead Pride gave out his grades for the Chiefs rookies recently so I thought I would give out mine as well… Let’s see who passed.
DT Glenn Dorsey
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Glenn Dorsey does get a bad rap from some fans and media, but I wouldn’t believe everyting thing you hear. Dorsey may have not been disrupting backfields like he was at LSU, but he did lead all rookie D-linemen in tackles this season. Also, if you compare his production to the rookie years of other star DT’s (Warren Sapp, Albert Haynesworth) they are likely more similar than you think. Also, I blame some of this on the coaches; if you draft a DT who’s forte is penetration and making plays in the backfield then why are you trying to use him as someone to takes up bodies? I could be wrong but I think if you unleash Dorsey and let him do what does best then he will take up bodies anyway because teams will be forced to double team him. Sorry, kind of went on there…
Grade: B- |
OT Branden Albert
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The Chiefe offensive line went from worst in the NFL in 2007 to middle of the pack in 2008 and I believe that Albert was a big part of the reason why. Branden Albert was injuried at first, which was a little disapointing (esp for a guy that had ‘never been injuried before’) but you can’t hold that against him. If anything that just showed his work ethic and willingness to succed. This guy could be an All-Pro some day.
Grade: A |
CB Brandon Flowers
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This season Brandon Flowers showed why many anaylist had him pegged as first round talent He coverd big time WR’s and it didn’t phase him one bit. Also, it isn’t his fault the Chiefs didn’t have a pass rush this season.
Grade: A+ |
RB Jamaal Charles
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Charles did have a few nagging injuries this season and overall I’d say he did okay this season. Honestly I would have liked to have seen a lot from him as a RB, esp. with LJ being out for a while, and as a return man ( I would have guessed that he would have taken at least one to the house this season). He did still average over 5 yards per attempt this season so I guess I can’t be mad at that.
Grade: C |
CB Brandon Carr
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Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers had very similar years and this tells me even more about Carr. This is a Diviions II corner who wasn’t affriad of life in the NFL one bit. He covered stud WR’s and didn’t blink an eye. Carr, in my opinion, did not quite play up to the same level as Flowers, but he wasn’t expected to. The fact the played up to that level says it all.
Grade: A |
K Connor Barth
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Barth made 10 of his 12 field goals this season for the Chiefs. I also believe that he had a touchback or two on kickoffs (something no other Chiefs kicker seemed to be able to to do). He was most consistent Chiefs kicker this season (not sure how much that says) but he did what was asked of him for the most part. 10/12 is 83.3334 % so that is what I will give him.
Grade: B |
FB Mike Cox
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It really is hard to judge a fullback. When we were running Herm’s offense at the begining of the year I saw Cox make some big blocks and some nice catches. I don’t remember his name being called by many people good or bad so I guess it would be safe to say that he did a decent job but didn’t stand out. Grade: C+ |
KR Kevin Robinson
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K-Rob was the best returner in a Chiefs uniform this season. I’m not sure what the averages say, but if you watched that games you know what I am talking about. Then again being the best returner out of this group may not be saying a whole lot
Grade: B- |
CB Maurice Leggett
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Leggett really got a lot better as the season went on. He had two very big plays for the Chiefs this season(fumble return for TD and pick-6 against Denver) and was by far the best undrafted free agent pick of the season for the Chiefs. For this season he gets an A, hope he doens’t turn into another Brackenridge (and by that I mean cut the following season).
Grade: A |
Incompletes: Will Franklin, DaJuan Morgan, Brad Cottam,Brian Johnston,Dantrell Savage
What do you guys think? Do you agree with the grades?
Please feel free to make your grades in the comment section below.
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Kansas City Chiefs Injuries halfway through 2008
(sorry I thought a picture of Croyle would be appropriate here)
The Chiefs had quite a few players come down with injuries this year so I thought I would make a list. This is just off of the top of my head so if I have forgotten anyone please let me know in the comments section below.
Any Chiefs who has had an injury this season (missed time and/or listed on an injury report):
Donnie Edwards
Branden Albert
Nap Harris (former Chiefs with Vikings now)
Brodie Croyle (IR)
Damon Huard (IR)
Patrick Surtain
Brandon Flowers
Kolby Smith (IR)
Tamba Hali
Turk McBride
Glenn Dorsey
Jamaal Charles
Dustin Colquitt
Demorrio Williams
Will Franklin
Jarrad Page
Jean-Philippe Darche (IR)
Weston Dacus
Maurice Price
Dimitri Patterson
Erik Walden
J.P. Foschi
Derrick Johnson
In case you don’t believe this the official Chiefs Injury reports can be found by clicking the link.
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Another change in the defensive lineup
Honestly from everything I heard about in River Falls I am surprised this move didn’t come early, but it is here nonetheless:
- Tank Tyler replaced Ron Edwards as a starting defensive tackle in practice, marking the second lineup change on the line and the third on the defense since the start of training camp.Edwards has been a solid if unspectacular run defender since he joined the Chiefs two years ago. But the Chiefs think Tyler, in his second season, has more potential and has earned the spot. Edwards will play as part of the defensive line rotation [KC Star].
Now the Chiefs starting defensive line is Tamba Hali, Glenn Dorsey, Tank Tyler, and Turk McBride. Tamba is now the grizzled vet of the starters coming into his third year.
This is defiantly the D-Line of the future (and of the here and now) for the Chiefs and I really hope they all come together sooner rather than later.
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Chiefs playing it safe with Dorsey
It appears that Chiefs first-round pick Glenn Dorsey won’t be back for the next preseason game like he thought he would and I am cool with that. If I was just given a big money contract and had to chance to start and make a difference on an NFL team I would be feeling the same way; Just take your time Dorsey.
There is no reason to rush Dorsey back to the field for a ‘meaningless’ preseason game even though us fans would love to see him in action. As I said above, if I was Dorsey I wouldn’t mind this and I’m sure the Chiefs are going to do whatever they can to protect what could (and hopefully will) be a building block for their franchise for years to come.
We all wish a fast a speedy recovery Mr. Dorsey and can’t wait to see you in action in the opener. Go Chiefs!
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Dorsey’s knee sprain not serious, Chiefs say
According to the KC Star Glenn Dorsey’s knee isn’t as bad as they thought it was… WHEW!!!
- Glenn Dorsey’s knee injury isn’t as bad as the Chiefs initially feared.Their top draft pick has a sprained knee and won’t play in Thursday’s preseason opener against the Bears in Chicago. But they are hopeful he could play in the following game on Aug. 16 against Arizona at Arrowhead Stadium.
I don’t know about you, but I just let out a huge sigh of relief. It still sucks, but it could have been much worse.
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Branden Albert & Glenn Dorsey Both Injured
As a fan this just sucks so much. Both first rounders are injured. I guess now we will see what Tank Tyler and Herb Taylor are made of.
Chiefs officials here for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies say the best case scenario is rookie left tackle Brandon Albert will miss three to four weeks because of a foot injury.
That makes his presence for the New England regular season opener very much in doubt.[Gretz]
and some more good news…
- The more likely scenario is that Albert will miss four or five weeks. If the injury heals slowly, then it could be six weeks.It’s a ligament injury and does not involves any bones, so it’s nothing like the foot injury suffered last year by RB Larry Johnson. Albert will continue to lift weights and work his upper body, but obviously cardio conditioning will suffer. In several weeks he’ll begin work on the stationary bike and then will progress to work in a rehab pool.[Gretz]
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Chiefs’ top pick Dorsey hurts knee
Well, in a matter of days both Chiefs 1st round draft picks have been injured… son of a bee sting!!! I don’t even know what to say about this. Hopefully this isn’t the kind of year its going to be…
- Rookie defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, the Chiefs’ top draft pick and the centerpiece of their rebuilding effort, injured his left knee during the annual Family Fun Night practice Saturday.Coach Herm Edwards described the injury as a sprain
“He’s probably going to be week to week,’’ Edwards said. “They won’t know until they do all of the MRIs and all of that. They’ll find out what’s going on. But I don’t think it’s serious.’’[KC Star]
Tank Tyler, a third-round draft pick last year, will replace Dorsey in the starting lineup. Herb Taylor, a sixth-round pick last year, is replacing Albert. Taylor played in one game on offense as a reserve last year.
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Monday morning thoughts…
So it was a pretty eventful weekend with the Dorsey signing and training camp starting. I can now smell football in the air, at least I hope that’s what I’m smelling.
First off I would like to thank Carl Peterson for getting all the draft picks signed in reasonable amount of time. I can honestly say that I’m a little surprised but it’s good to see that he is behind the rebuilding process and understands how important it was to get these rookies in on time this year. Good job Carl.
Apparently Chiefs center Rudy Niswanger is a very smart fellow, but you may not want to boo him.
Booing Rudy Niswanger may not be smart.
Kansas City’s cerebral young center almost never forgets anything he does, sees or hears. And one day he may be standing over your unconscious body holding a sharp knife.
But don’t worry, unless you are a Broncos or Raiders fan.
An honors graduate from LSU with a degree in kinesiology, Niswanger was accepted into medical school before he was ignored in the 2006 draft. He seriously thought about becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
Full Niswanger article here.
The Orange and Brown Report (what a name huh) seem to think Devard Darling is the current leader in the race for the #2 WR position
- One of this offseason’s most anticipated position battles in Kansas City is for the starting wide receiver spot opposite Dwayne Bowe. Early on, it looks like a two-horse race led by free agent signee Devard Darling.
With the other horse being Jeff Webb. WI seems to think that if the season started today our starting WR’s would be Bowe and Darling, with Franklin at the slot. What do you think?
Speaking of Jeff Webb it appears that La Quinta High School’s own has re-dedicated himself to training to make most of his chance with the Chiefs. I’m not sure how to take that, but if it means he is trying his hardest to be the best he can this year then I guess I can’t complain about that.
My final Monday morning thought… is it Tuesday yet?
That’s all for now Chiefs fans. Check back for more coverage of the Chiefs as training camp heats up.
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