The Kansas City Chiefs defense has quietly made some big plays and gotten some key stops, which have helped the team get to 2-0 to start the season. In Week 3, they will look to do the same but will have an ample opportunity to impose their will early and often against an Indianapolis Colts offense that is off to a worse start to the season than anyone could have projected before the 2022 NFL season began.
Based on years past, the Chiefs’ defense is typically at the bottom of the barrel when the season begins. Steve Spagnulo’s defensive unit typically needs at least 8-9 weeks to figure things out before going on a complete resurgence to finish the season going into the playoffs.
However, the Chiefs are off to a good start through the first two games of the year and will look to keep it going against a terrible Indianapolis offensive unit.
One area the Chiefs have improved is their ability to get pressure. According to Pro Football Reference, Kansas City pressured Chargers QB Justin Herbert 11 times, registering six QB hits and two sacks.
So far this year, Kansas City has mounted up 38 pressures, collecting 12 QB hits and five sacks through two games.
Going up against a struggling offensive line in Week 3, the Chiefs will have an opportunity to bring the heat on quarterback Matt Ryan, following an abysmal showing last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The latter used a heavy pass rush to help shut the Colts out 24-0.
According to Pro Football Reference, the Jags pressured Ryan 16 times, holding him to 218 yards of total offense and, as a result, impacting his decisions with the football.
When under duress, the 14-year vet completed just two of nine passes for 18 yards and threw three interceptions. Ryan finished the game completing 16 of 30 for 195 yards passing and was sacked five times.
On third down, the Colts struggled to move up the field and only converted on 2 of 10 third-down attempts, which leaves room for optimism that Sunday might be another long day for the Colts. That’s because Kansas City’s defense has also found its groove in third-down situations, allowing eight conversions on 28 attempts (less than 30%) this season. In Week 2, the Chiefs allowed the Chargers to convert on just 5 of 16 third down attempts.
Thus, if the Chiefs can wreak havoc in the trenches while on defense, a result similar to what took place in Jacksonville might happen again.
The Chiefs’ defensive line gaining penetration will also be key when stopping Indy’s rushing attack. Although he was limited to just 9 carries for 54 yards on the ground last week, Jonathan Taylor is still a threat whenever the ball is in his hands. However, if the defensive line can get off the ball, clog up rushing lanes, and contain Taylor long enough for Patrick Mahomes to establish a lead and force the Colts to drift away from the run game, that might be all the Chiefs need to chalk up another victory.
