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While I think DJ, Dorsey, and Flowers are playing at a high level, in no way should he(Holtus) even be mentioning those players along the league of the big 3 in Tampa. I think he should be saying something along the lines of, "The defense is finally starting to get some pieces in place." Dorsey, DJ, Flowers, and Crennel represent some of the major pieces, however, the Chiefs still got a bit of a ways to go. I'd also like to add, players like Belcher, Carr, Berry, have also been solid pieces to the puzzle. Chiefs definately have good role players as well. Edwards, S. Smith, Arenas, Gilberry and Studebaker serve as excellent role players. I'll even throw Hali and Vrabel into that mix as well.
But if you want to get down to the nitty gritty of saying, "core" players, does this defense have that? Imo, they don't. The absence of "core" players is what will make this defensive unit incomplete. If you want to discuss about "core" players in a 3-4 defense, then don't set your eyes any further than the primary positions such as NT, and OLB(rushbacker). Those two positions are the most critical in a 3-4. Im sure many of you know that. And if neither a NT or rushbacker are present, you can't run the defense efficiently. Those are the positions we should all be focusing on. Hali is not the answer. Im sorry but he cannot get to the quarterback as effectively than the other premier passrushers I've seen in a good 3-4 defense. Ron Edwards may be playing well, and same can be said with Shaun Smith, but they're neither Ted Washington or Vince Wilfork. Defense is starting to come together, but Chiefs defense still lacks a foundation.
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