Pass Rush? What Pass Rush?

**Jrudi** · 12-05-2011, 10:35 AM

Just wanted to post a positive note about the Defensive side of the ball....

In week 11, the Chiefs were at the bottom of the league in the sacks department with I think 9... Since then

10 Sacks in last 3 weeks
4 Int's in last 3 weeks
3 FF's in last 3 weeks

And the pressure has been outstanding, guys like Amon Gordon, and Wallace Gillberry have shown up. And JUSTIN HOUSTON!!! WOW this dude has played lights out the last 3 weeks, he is all over the field, and became and every down OLB. He not only has begun to provide a good pass rush opposite Hali, he is all over the field. While watching the games, I think I could honestly say I see his jersey around the play at least 80% of the time.

He is always in the mix, and looks to be what we are missing on D!

I think with the young Core talent we have on D, we are at a point to where just 1 or 2 FA talents (already proven) away from being a nasty defense! (continue to build through the draft, but I think now is the time to look to adding those difference makers through FA.)

**70 chiefsfan70** · 12-07-2011, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by chief31

I think he has been a monster almost all year.

Even when we played The Broncos, and they ran on us like a faucet, the front was still tough.

Basically, you are not supposed to notice a 3-4 DE. You are supposed to notice the LBs, because the DEs are making it possible for them to make plays.

And, I think most would agree, that our LBing crew has been awfully good, for the most part.

I think that Jackson and Dorsey have been excellent in 2011.

Very true!! Many here don't realize that. Its just a bonus if the front 3 get a sack.

**matthewschiefs** · 12-07-2011, 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by chief31

I think he has been a monster almost all year.

Even when we played The Broncos, and they ran on us like a faucet, the front was still tough.

Basically, you are not supposed to notice a 3-4 DE. You are supposed to notice the LBs, because the DEs are making it possible for them to make plays.

And, I think most would agree, that our LBing crew has been awfully good, for the most part.

I think that Jackson and Dorsey have been excellent in 2011.

Well I don't think I would say that he's a monster but I have never been one to think he's been bad like others or even a bust. He's been Ok to good. But since he was taken so high in the draft he is expected to be great. I don't think he's been as good as Pioli and Haley thought that he would when they drafted him but part of that is the people around him as well. If They are able to upgrade the talent around him he will look better and better. You can never have to much pass rush.

**TopekaRoy** · 12-07-2011, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by chief31

Basically, you are not supposed to notice a 3-4 DE. You are supposed to notice the LBs, because the DEs are making it possible for them to make plays.

And, I think most would agree, that our LBing crew has been awfully good, for the most part.

I think that Jackson and Dorsey have been excellent in 2011.

I'm just guessing here but is it possible that the reason the defense wasn't getting a lot of sacks until recently is because the LBs had to drop in to pass coverage more, because McGraw and Sabby needed help? Now that they are playing a lot better with the added playing time and experience, It looks like we are blitzing more and the combination of added pressure and better pass coverage is paying dividends with more sacks.

**chief31** · 12-07-2011, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by TopekaRoy

I'm just guessing here but is it possible that the reason the defense wasn't getting a lot of sacks until recently is because the LBs had to drop in to pass coverage more, because McGraw and Sabby needed help? Now that they are playing a lot better with the added playing time and experience, It looks like we are blitzing more and the combination of added pressure and better pass coverage is paying dividends with more sacks.

That is an excellent observation.

Not that I can say for sure, without watching some of the games again. But I bet there something to that.

**70 chiefsfan70** · 12-07-2011, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by matthewschiefs

Well I don't think I would say that he's a monster but I have never been one to think he's been bad like others or even a bust. He's been Ok to good. But since he was taken so high in the draft he is expected to be great. I don't think he's been as good as Pioli and Haley thought that he would when they drafted him but part of that is the people around him as well. If They are able to upgrade the talent around him he will look better and better. You can never have to much pass rush.

If I remember right TJ was expected and valued at the 21 to 26 pick. Pioli and company picked him at 5?? (if I'm right) and some how most expect more out of him because he was picked ahead of his value. (me included).

It is very common to take 2 to 3 years before DE really gets it and turns it on. We should keep in mind he missed several games last year so he is still learning.

You are absolutely correct, better LB's make him look a lot better.

**jap1** · 12-07-2011, 10:53 PM

Originally Posted by TopekaRoy

I'm just guessing here but is it possible that the reason the defense wasn't getting a lot of sacks until recently is because the LBs had to drop in to pass coverage more, because McGraw and Sabby needed help? Now that they are playing a lot better with the added playing time and experience, It looks like we are blitzing more and the combination of added pressure and better pass coverage is paying dividends with more sacks.

I didnt think about that. I wouldnt be surprised if there was a little of that. Just another side effect of losing Eric Berry I guess.

Also, I wonder if the last couple of games Crennel/Haley have also decided to go for broke. They may have said look we have to start winning on D, so might as well take some chances. Go big or go home kind of attitude.

**TopekaRoy** · 12-07-2011, 11:22 PM

Originally Posted by jap1

I didnt think about that. I wouldnt be surprised if there was a little of that. Just another side effect of losing Eric Berry I guess.

Also, I wonder if the last couple of games Crennel/Haley have also decided to go for broke. They may have said look we have to start winning on D, so might as well take some chances. Go big or go home kind of attitude.

That may be a big part of it too, but if the defensive backs break down then you have a recipe for disaster by sending too much pressure.

I don't know if they decided to send more pressure because the backs are playing better, or if the backs are playing better because the added pressure means they don't have to cover receivers as long, (It's kind of a "chicken and egg" thing) but for whatever reason, it's working.