Chiefs Good Gretz Article on KC's lack of run defense - Page 2

Chiefnj2 · 01-13-2010, 12:44 PM

from bobgretz.com

The Problem Waiting For Romeo … Wednesday Cup O’Chiefs
January 13, 2010 - Bob Gretz | Comments (23)

If Romeo Crennel has watched the Chiefs at all during the 2009 NFL season, he already knows the biggest challenge facing him when he takes over the club’s defense. If Crennel wasn’t watching, then he’s got a real bad surprise coming to him if/when he signs on.

There are a lot of hurdles the Chiefs must overcome to return to contender status. Scott Pioli, Todd Haley, Charlie Weis and soon it appears Crennel will have their hands full lifting all parts of the franchise.

The area that is the most important and needs the biggest change comes with their ability to stop the run.

With the exception of their AFC West division mates in Oakland, nobody in the league has been worse against the run over the last three seasons than the Chiefs. They have given up an average of 148.7 rushing yards per game. And, there is no coincidence that they are 10-38 in those three seasons.

There is also no doubt that one of the cornerstones for any real contender is being able to stop the run. Over the last three seasons (2007-09) here are the stats for the best and worst defenses in the league, along with the team’s overall record:

NFL RUSHING DEFENSES (2007-09)

[CHART OMITTED]

It’s pretty remarkable that over the last three years, three of the worst five run defenses in the league have been in the AFC West. San Diego has given up an average of 109.1 rushing yards per game in the last three years, with a 32-16 record and three division titles.

The Chiefs have gotten worse when it comes to stopping the run in each of the last three seasons. This year, when you pull the curtain back on the 531 carries and 2,504 yards that opponents racked up against the K.C. defense during the’09 season:

YARDS ALLOWED: That 2,504-yard total was next to last in the league. Tampa Bay was last allowing 2,531 rushing yards. The best rushing defense was Green Bay, as the Packers allowed 1,333 rushing yards. The NFL average was 1866.7 yards.

YARDS PER RUNNING PLAY: Opponents averaged 4.7 yards per carry against the Chiefs, placing them tied for 30th among the league’s 32 defenses. Baltimore led the league with the lowest average per carry at 3.4 yards. The NFL average was 4.2 yards.

NEGATIVE RUNS: The Chiefs were tied for 30th in the league in runs stopped for negative yardage. It was 26 runs for a minus-48 yards. The New York Giants and Oakland led the league with 55 stops for minus yards.

RUNS ALLOWED FOR +4 YARDS: They were 29th, as 47.5 percent of the runs against them went for four yards or more, that was 252 out of 531 carries.

RUNS ALLOWED FOR +10 YARDS: The KC defense was 26th in the NFL, giving up 57 runs for more than 10 yards. The leader with the fewest was Pittsburgh with 35.

FIRST-DOWN RUSHING – The Chiefs were 31st in the league, giving up 1,467 of their rushing yards on first down, an average of 5.22 yards per carry. Only 12 of those first down running plays were stopped for minus yards.

Massage the numbers and they all come out the same: the Chiefs are horrible against the run and it’s the biggest problem keeping them out of the victory column each Sunday. In the last 48 games, the Chiefs have allowed 20 running backs go for 100 yards or more. Those numbers came down in 19 games. In those games the Chiefs were 4-15, or a .210 winning percentage.

During his four seasons as defensive coordinator of the Patriots, Crennel saw his defense help win three Super Bowls. In the 2001, 2003 and 2004 seasons, the New England defense finished 19th, 4th and 6th against the run. They allowed an average of 101.3 rushing yards per game and 3.9 yards per carry.

So Crennel knows good run defense. He’s seen it, he’s coached it and he’ll demand plenty of it when he takes over the Chiefs defense.

For the Chiefs to get out of the NFL basement, they have to get out of the defensive basement when it comes to stopping the run.

DaWolf · 01-13-2010, 01:32 PM

Quote:

FIRST-DOWN RUSHING – The Chiefs were 31st in the league, giving up 1,467 of their rushing yards on first down, an average of 5.22 yards per carry. Only 12 of those first down running plays were stopped for minus yards.

Couple that with our negative plays on first down, and you have opponents facing second and short/med, us facing second and long.

There's your 4-12 record in a nutshell...

keg in kc · 01-13-2010, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Exactly.

Learn to love the McClain.

I've been pimping him for weeks.

I'm ahead of the curve.

Chiefnj2 · 01-13-2010, 01:43 PM

The Chiefs need a mountain in the middle.

milkman · 01-13-2010, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

The Chiefs need a mountain in the middle.

Maybe Crennel can be activated.

keg in kc · 01-13-2010, 01:48 PM

While it's a mildly interesting conglomeration of stats, the article doesn't really address why, or how they can fix it.

It's kind of like popular science doing an article that tells us the sky's blue.

BigChiefFan · 01-13-2010, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

I've been pimping him for weeks.

I'm ahead of the curve.

He's a heck of a LBer. I can see us making worse picks. I'm thinking he may end up being one of the prizes in this year's draft. The kid is a workhorse and can bring the hammer down. I've been impressed with his play.

The play up the middle has to improve. McClain would certainly help us, IMO. I just really like how he has a nose for the ball and delivers solid tackles time and again.

keg in kc · 01-13-2010, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

He's a heck of a LBer. I can see us making worse picks. I'm thinking he may end up being one of the prizes in this year's draft. The kid is a workhorse and can bring the hammer down. I've been impressed with his play.

The play up the middle has to improve. McClain would certainly help us, IMO. I just really like how he has a nose for the ball and delivers solid tackles time and again.

I like that despite the fact that he has protypical size and speed, he's heady and studies tape like he's peyton frikkin manning at LB. Saban's purportedly called him the smartest player he's ever coached. Which is a pretty rare thing to hear about a defensive player.

And I also like that he's been playing in a 3-4 at bama.

It's a perfect fit in my mind. Which means he's going before we pick, or we're taking Okung with him on the board, and I'm breaking my TV in April.

**Bowser** · 01-13-2010, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

The Chiefs need a mountain in the middle.

On this note, Petro and Kevin Harlan had a short discussion as to why Glenn Dorsey should be our tackle in the 3-4. They based this statement on the success that Jay Ratliff is having in Dallas, and he is barely over 300, if that. His quickness for a big man is what makes him so disruptive in the 3-4 Dallas runs, according to Petro. That being said, having DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer on the outside may help that, as well.

Point being is that we may not actually need a 360 pounder in the middle if we can figure a way to use the guys we have now properly.

Chiefnj2 · 01-13-2010, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

While it's a mildly interesting conglomeration of stats, the article doesn't really address why, or how they can fix it.

It's kind of like popular science doing an article that tells us the sky's blue.

How? 1) NT that occupies double teams and can help collapse the pocket a bit, 2) Dorsey continue to improve and not re-injure his leg, 3) Jackson live up to a first round draft status, 4) Magee improve, 5) More talented ILB play.

IMHO, ILB impact is going to rely upon the front 3.

Chiefnj2 · 01-13-2010, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

On this note, Petro and Kevin Harlan had a short discussion as to why Glenn Dorsey should be our tackle in the 3-4. They based this statement on the success that Jay Ratliff is having in Dallas, and he is barely over 300, if that. His quickness for a big man is what makes him so disruptive in the 3-4 Dallas runs, according to Petro. That being said, having DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer on the outside may help that, as well.

Point being is that we may not actually need a 360 pounder in the middle if we can figure a way to use the guys we have now properly.

They run a different 34 than KC. 1 gap vs 2 gap. If KC keeps the current scheme they need an immovable object in the middle.

keg in kc · 01-13-2010, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

On this note, Petro and Kevin Harlan had a short discussion as to why Glenn Dorsey should be our tackle in the 3-4. They based this statement on the success that Jay Ratliff is having in Dallas, and he is barely over 300, if that. His quickness for a big man is what makes him so disruptive in the 3-4 Dallas runs, according to Petro. That being said, having DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer on the outside may help that, as well.

Point being is that we may not actually need a 360 pounder in the middle if we can figure a way to use the guys we have now properly.

I think Jackson or Magee will eventually be our NT, although whether that's in '10 or '11 I don't know. That's what I thought when we drafted them both last year.

**Bowser** · 01-13-2010, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

They run a different 34 than KC. 1 gap vs 2 gap. If KC keeps the current scheme they need an immovable object in the middle.

I'm no expert, but I'd say that the scheme we ran last year sucks, and we need another one.

**Bowser** · 01-13-2010, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

I think Jackson or Magee will eventually be our NT, although whether that's in '10 or '11 I don't know. That's what I thought when we drafted them both last year.

Hell, all three of our ends looked lost most of the time last year. I have high hopes that Romeo will scrap our version of the 3-4 and install one that actually, you know, works.

We seemingly have a bunch of guys on our line whose forte is to get upfield, not take up space.

keg in kc · 01-13-2010, 02:02 PM

There's definitely going to be some kind of change on the line, with the dc and the d-line coach gone.

Chiefnj2 · 01-13-2010, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

I'm no expert, but I'd say that the scheme we ran last year sucks, and we need another one.

Since they implemented the scheme without the correct talent and DC to run it, I'd say that the powers that be like the scheme and it'll stick around.

01-13-2010, 12:44 PM
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $6654388	Good Gretz Article on KC's lack of run defense from bobgretz.com The Problem Waiting For Romeo … Wednesday Cup O’Chiefs January 13, 2010 - Bob Gretz \| Comments (23) If Romeo Crennel has watched the Chiefs at all during the 2009 NFL season, he already knows the biggest challenge facing him when he takes over the club’s defense. If Crennel wasn’t watching, then he’s got a real bad surprise coming to him if/when he signs on. There are a lot of hurdles the Chiefs must overcome to return to contender status. Scott Pioli, Todd Haley, Charlie Weis and soon it appears Crennel will have their hands full lifting all parts of the franchise. The area that is the most important and needs the biggest change comes with their ability to stop the run. With the exception of their AFC West division mates in Oakland, nobody in the league has been worse against the run over the last three seasons than the Chiefs. They have given up an average of 148.7 rushing yards per game. And, there is no coincidence that they are 10-38 in those three seasons. There is also no doubt that one of the cornerstones for any real contender is being able to stop the run. Over the last three seasons (2007-09) here are the stats for the best and worst defenses in the league, along with the team’s overall record: NFL RUSHING DEFENSES (2007-09) [CHART OMITTED] It’s pretty remarkable that over the last three years, three of the worst five run defenses in the league have been in the AFC West. San Diego has given up an average of 109.1 rushing yards per game in the last three years, with a 32-16 record and three division titles. The Chiefs have gotten worse when it comes to stopping the run in each of the last three seasons. This year, when you pull the curtain back on the 531 carries and 2,504 yards that opponents racked up against the K.C. defense during the’09 season: YARDS ALLOWED: That 2,504-yard total was next to last in the league. Tampa Bay was last allowing 2,531 rushing yards. The best rushing defense was Green Bay, as the Packers allowed 1,333 rushing yards. The NFL average was 1866.7 yards. YARDS PER RUNNING PLAY: Opponents averaged 4.7 yards per carry against the Chiefs, placing them tied for 30th among the league’s 32 defenses. Baltimore led the league with the lowest average per carry at 3.4 yards. The NFL average was 4.2 yards. NEGATIVE RUNS: The Chiefs were tied for 30th in the league in runs stopped for negative yardage. It was 26 runs for a minus-48 yards. The New York Giants and Oakland led the league with 55 stops for minus yards. RUNS ALLOWED FOR +4 YARDS: They were 29th, as 47.5 percent of the runs against them went for four yards or more, that was 252 out of 531 carries. RUNS ALLOWED FOR +10 YARDS: The KC defense was 26th in the NFL, giving up 57 runs for more than 10 yards. The leader with the fewest was Pittsburgh with 35. FIRST-DOWN RUSHING – The Chiefs were 31st in the league, giving up 1,467 of their rushing yards on first down, an average of 5.22 yards per carry. Only 12 of those first down running plays were stopped for minus yards. Massage the numbers and they all come out the same: the Chiefs are horrible against the run and it’s the biggest problem keeping them out of the victory column each Sunday. In the last 48 games, the Chiefs have allowed 20 running backs go for 100 yards or more. Those numbers came down in 19 games. In those games the Chiefs were 4-15, or a .210 winning percentage. During his four seasons as defensive coordinator of the Patriots, Crennel saw his defense help win three Super Bowls. In the 2001, 2003 and 2004 seasons, the New England defense finished 19th, 4th and 6th against the run. They allowed an average of 101.3 rushing yards per game and 3.9 yards per carry. So Crennel knows good run defense. He’s seen it, he’s coached it and he’ll demand plenty of it when he takes over the Chiefs defense. For the Chiefs to get out of the NFL basement, they have to get out of the defensive basement when it comes to stopping the run.
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01-13-2010, 01:43 PM	#18
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $6654388	The Chiefs need a mountain in the middle. __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,541

01-13-2010, 01:48 PM	#20
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	While it's a mildly interesting conglomeration of stats, the article doesn't really address why, or how they can fix it. It's kind of like popular science doing an article that tells us the sky's blue.
Posts: 58,682

01-13-2010, 02:02 PM	#29
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	There's definitely going to be some kind of change on the line, with the dc and the d-line coach gone.
Posts: 58,682