The Kansas City Chiefs claimed Terrell Suggs off of waivers following his release from the Arizona Cardinals. How will the addition of Suggs impact the Chiefs' defense?
When the Cardinals waived Suggs, it was reported that he would be hesitant to show up if anyone besides the Baltimore Ravens claimed him. So there is the slight chance that Suggs chooses to refuse to make an appearance in the Chiefs' facility.
But if he does decide to show up, he could be a productive player for Kansas City's defense. It would be hard to imagine Suggs choosing to avoid joining a Chiefs squad that has an opportunity to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
Even at 37-years-old, Suggs is still able to make his presence felt when he is given the green light to rush the quarterback. Before his release, Suggs had started in all 13 games for the Cardinals at outside linebacker. In those 13 starts, Suggs tallied 37 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
Of course, before playing in Arizona, Suggs spent his first 16 seasons with the Ravens. During his time in Baltimore, he terrorized quarterbacks, combining for 854 tackles, 193 tackles for loss, 132.5 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, and seven interceptions.
As for the Chiefs, they could use some help on a defense that is beginning to find a rhythm at the perfect time. Over Kansas City's past four games, they've given up an average of 11.3 points on defense.
In addition, the Chiefs' defensive unit has accumulated 39 sacks (11th in the NFL). Adding Suggs into the mix will make it easier for Steve Spagnuolo to draw up exotic blitzes by inheriting another talented pass rusher.
Kansas City currently has a defensive front that includes Frank Clark, Chris Jones, Tanoh Kpassagnon, and Derrick Nnadi. With Alex Okafor and Emmanuel Ogbah on injured reserve, Suggs provides the Chiefs with some depth off of the edge.
Come playoff time; it is invaluable to have multiple players that can rotate in at the pass-rushing positions, especially when the games could be taking place in rigid weather conditions when the air is thin.
Without a doubt, Suggs is no longer the All-Pro edge defender he once was with the Ravens. At the least, he is still a player who could be vital to Kansas City's playoff run down the stretch.
When the playoffs begin, the Chiefs could see the likes of the New England Patriots or the Ravens; two teams he has plenty of experience with or against in the postseason. His experience in big-time moments makes the decision to claim Suggs a wise one for Andy Reid and the Chiefs.
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