Will the Chiefs finally have a top-10 defense in 2023?

[Megatron96]

Here's the deal:

Spags was brought in to retool the defense and do what he did two times in his career before joining the Chiefs in 2019, and that's simply to build a legit top-10 defense in KC.

Well, he's still trying to make that happen entering his fifth year as the Chiefs' DC.

In his favor, the defense has been retooled at all levels, sporting one of the best LB corps that KC fans have ever seen, and of course yet another solid DB unit that promises to be as fast and athletic as any in recent memory.

The question marks in 2023 are pretty much centered along the DL, though CJ is still the centerpiece and he's still one of the top-2 best DLs in the league. However, the rest of the DTs, including Nnadi, Shelton, Coburn (R), and Wharton may be little more than placeholders/rotational depth. Most of us believe that Coburn, drafted this spring, should quickly become a solid starter in KC, and be an able replacement for the departed Saunders.

The EDGEs look like a more capable group with more than three months to go before the first regular season game, with high expectations for Karlaftis' 2nd season, and both Omenihu (brought over from SF) and FAU also drafted in 2023 being key role players on the new DL.


So, as I said, expectations are high. Even PFN has predicted the Chiefs defense to begin the season no worse than 13th.

But can they do better, and finally achieve what Spags' defenses have been unable to claim since his hiring in 2019?


It won't be easy, btw. A look at the 2023 schedule reveals a tough opening two and a half months before the bye.

Week 1: DET

Week 2: @JAX

Week 3: CHI

Week 4: @NYJ

Week 5: @MIN

Week 6: DEN

Week 7: LAC

Week 8: @DEN

Week 9: MIA

Week 10: BYE


Six of those teams boast solid rushing attacks, a predicted weakness for the Chiefs defense, again in 2023. Six were among the top-10 ranked offenses. Three were ranked in the top-10 on defense.

Playoff predictions are almost foolish at this early date, but it looks like the Chiefs might face as many as five, or even six, playoff teams in the first ten weeks of the season.

So the question is, can Spags and his defense build on what they were able to accomplish last season and break into the ranks of the top-10 defenses in the NFL in 2023? Facing what could be a murders' row of playoff-bound teams one after the other until the bye on 11/5?


The first nine weeks of the 2023 season cold decide the post-season fate of the Kansas City Chiefs.

[Pitt Gorilla]

I'll be honest with you; I still don't understand bringing Nnadi back. I often find myself balancing the benefits of bringing in players like Hopkins or Clark with losing a young talent from an already deep roster. If Nnadi is the guy that's actually cut, those particular concerns disappear.

[smithandrew051]

I think the defense will be better at all three levels this year compared to last year, and I think last year’s defense was really underrated.

Though I believe this defense will be top 10, the stats won’t reflect it. Too many teams will be playing from behind and airing it out. We’ll coast to end several games. We also play too many good QBs.

The Eagles defense was good last year, but we know their stats (specifically all of their coverage stats and pass rushing stats) were significantly aided by playing such awful QBs all season long.

[Nightfyre]

Spags defense was number 1 last year because they won the super bowl. They will never be number one in any statistical category because teams are playing from behind. JMO.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by Nightfyre

Spags defense was number 1 last year because they won the super bowl. They will never be number one in any statistical category because teams are playing from behind. JMO.

Yes

[Rasputin]

This is going be the best damn team in Chiefs history possibly best team in the history of the NFL. Top 5 defense with this secondary and the leadership on defense Nick Bolton Jones Gay Sneed McDuffie the Greek to name a few. 85 Bears.


The offense I can see Patrick going off with 8 touchdowns in a single game. That's my prediction I think 7 for sure. Won a Super Bowl on one leg and we upgraded our WR core. I'm so giddy for this season. We carved the Eagles defense in the second half. We started or played 8 rooks on defense.


I heard Justin Reid is ripped this offseason best shape of his career.


It's going be a contest who knocks out more scrambling quarterbacks Leo Chenal or Bryan Cook.

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

Looking at our schedule , I'd say the first 19 games should be easy wins for our D. Game 20 a little tougher.

[Bump]

if any of these rookies can start and contribute then its going to look like a damn fine defense that was done almost entirely from the draft. I almost forgot about Omenihu too

[Couch-Potato]

I think bringing F Clark back would complete the DL.

I guarantee he make zero noise all year but gets at least one sack in the playoffs if we do!

[BossChief]

I don’t care what their yardage ranking will be.

Scoring defense and third down % will be top 10.

Good enough for an undefeated season.

[big nasty kcnut]

all we need is top 15 defense we got a super bowl team.

[SAGA45]

Top 5. Will lead the league in sacks.

[CupidStunt]

We've pretty much had what we asked for during 2018: a defense that isn't historically bad. And we've won 2 rings in 4 years since.

I doubt they'll be top 10, unless Karl takes a big leap and FAU is an immediate stud. But that's fine. We have the top 1 at the only position that matters.

[SHOWTIME]

Originally Posted by Couch-Potato

I think bringing F Clark back would complete the DL.

I guarantee he make zero noise all year but gets at least one sack in the playoffs if we do!

so the question is, Frank Clark or Deandre Hopkins? not sure there is enough space for both…

[duncan_idaho]

Yeah, I don't expect to ever be top 10 in yards allowed and don't care.

Yards per pass
3rd down D
Scoring D
Takeaways
Sacks

^ The things I care about.

I think this team is going to be dramatically improved in the back end. Yes, they're losing Thornhill, but I think the upgrade Tranquill is going to provide on passing downs at LB is significant. I also think Cook and Edwards will prove to be a better combination than Thornhill and Cook were last year. and the CB room should be improved, too, just from experience.