The Kansas City Chiefs largely rode their explosive offense to the Super Bowl.
However, Patrick Mahomes' early struggles necessitated multiple fourth-quarter stops from the defensive unit, which allowed the Chiefs to get back into the game. In many ways, Kansas City's defensive efforts were the X-factor in that game.
Chiefs linebacker Anthony Hitchens thinks the defensive unit can be a calling card moving forward.
Hitchens explained it took some time to adapt to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's system–which emphasizes stopping the run–last season. But Hitchens said subsequent adjustments might make the Chiefs a top-5 defense in the NFL this year (via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk):
“Once we get that going with the run game, like definitely not making any predictions or anything like that, we should be a top-5 defense. . . . I just think it’s more of the run defense than the pass defense,” Hitchens said, via the Kansas City Star. “Once we get that settled, complete and make it a defense, we’ll be good for years to come.”
Kansas City will return 10 of 11 starters on the defensive side of the ball. That continuity certainly bodes well in terms of their growing comfort with Spagnuolo's scheme.
The Chiefs ranked 14th in total defensive DVOA, but they ranked 29th in rushing DVOA, per Football Outsiders. With a heavy focus on stopping the run, it is possible Kansas City becomes one of the top defenses in the league.
At the same time, the Chiefs need to lock up defensive tackle Chris Jones.
Jones is one of the best interior presences in football. However, he might not be willing to sign the franchise tender, instead opting for a holdout.
The Chiefs have upside, but extending Jones will be a key determinant of their defensive potential in 2020.
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