Tod Palmer: Chiefs rediscover pass rush against 49ers
 

Chiefs rediscover pass rush against 49ers
By TOD PALMER
The Kansas City Star

Two seasons ago, Kansas City’s defense set a dubious NFL record with only 10 sacks — which made last year’s 22-sack output seem impressive.

Of course, it did little to mask that the Chiefs still struggled mightily to get after the quarterback. Only Jacksonville, which had 14 sacks, was worse than Kansas City last season.

That’s why the Chiefs’ five-sack effort was as surprising as it was welcome in Sunday’s 31-10 win over San Francisco.

“They did a great, great job getting to the quarterback,” cornerback Brandon Flowers said.

Linebacker Tamba Hali set the tone for the second half on the 49ers’ first play from scrimmage, dropping Alex Smith for a 5-yard loss. Hali added another sack midway through the third quarter and tied a career high with his third sack in the game’s closing minutes.

Nose tackle Ron Edwards burst up the gut midway through the fourth quarter, tossing aside San Francisco offensive linemen like schoolchildren for a 9-yard sack that helped set up field position for Kansas City’s final touchdown.

It was the most sacks the Chiefs had managed since trading Jared Allen after the 2007 season. The last time Kansas City had five sacks in a game was against Minnesota on Sept. 23, 2007 — a span of 49 games.

Perhaps more telling than the sack total was that the Chiefs hurried Smith on nine other occasions and even managed to pressure him with only a three-man rush several times.

“We were able to put some guys in favorable situations and take advantage of a few key matchups,” said linebacker Jovan Belcher, who led Kansas City with 10 tackles. “The guys produced results.”

Much of the credit, however, should go to the run defense, which limited San Francisco to 43 yards and a paltry 2.9-yard average.

“We’re emphasizing playing hard every play,” defensive end Shaun Smith said. “Every time we step on the field, we’re trying to make plays and cause havoc up front.”

It’s working, and Flowers said it’s making life easier on the secondary as well.

“We had a plan, and it worked out that we were able to get off a couple of blocks and get some sacks,” coach Todd Haley said. “I know the guys are excited about that, but the way we’re trying to do things does not revolve around sacks.”

Maybe not, but that doesn’t mean the sacks aren’t a positive sign for a Chiefs team that won only 10 games in the previous three seasons.

“It feels good to be on this side of it,” defensive end Glenn Dorsey said of the 3-0 start. “Guys are buying into it and we’re seeing all the hard work that we’re doing in practice is working (in games). That’s making us more eager to keep at it.”

After a bye week, the road gets tougher for the Chiefs, who will face Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

“(Manning) prides himself on having time and picking defenses apart, so if you get pressure to him, then he doesn’t have all day to see his routes develop,” Flowers said. “We need that front seven to show up like they’ve been doing all season.”

Hali could have had five sacks.

One intentional grounding, one holding penalty.

**** all the doubters. He is a stud, and will go down as one of the great players in Chiefs history.

Pressure by the NT will go a long way towards stopping the colts. Matt will have to have another game like today, and we will have to get at least 1 turnover. I would run between the tackles alot since their lbers are small.

I don't care if Hali doesn't get a sack all the time. He pressures the **** out of the Qb, EVERY time.

Who the **** is Tod Palmer?

The newest person to kiss someone's neck. My guess? Pflanz.

the new kid I assume, he posted " The Chiefs Notes" article today too.

we're going to need the OL to step up in pass protection. Freeney and Mathis could have a great game if our OL isnt up for the task.

The best defense against the colts is a good offense. Keep manning on the sidelines! Also, the defense needs to get pressure on manning. If we shut down their running game, he will still pick us apart through the air.

LMAO

How about instead, the QB throws the ball in a timely manner?

Carson Palmer's alter-ego.

I definitely agree. Im hoping that today was the start of cassel turning it all around. But Id be lying if I said he has. Even then, he was still off on quite a few throws. We're going to need a lot more convincing from Cassel imo.