Through five games, the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense has been unquestionably sound. The unit ranks in the top 10 in points allowed, yards allowed, third-down conversion rate and red-zone conversion rate.
It isn’t flashy at times, but the statistics back up the bend-don’t-break ability of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit. When it comes to tackling, the numbers and the eye test match up: the Chiefs are one of the league’s best tackling teams.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Chiefs have
the NFL’s lowest missed-tackle rate. Pro Football Reference has the Chiefs credited with 20 missed tackles this year, the fourth-fewest in the league. According to Sumer Sports, the Chiefs had the league’s lowest missed-tackle rate through four weeks (7.4%); the league average is 11.9%.
When you look at the individuals that make up Kansas City’s defense, most of its back-end players have a missed-tackle rate in the single digits (PFF):
- Linebacker Nick Bolton (7.4%)
- Linebacker Drue Tranquill (2.7%)
- Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (6.5%)
- Cornerback Mansoor Delane (8.7%)
- Safety Jaden Hicks (6.9%)
- Cornerback Nohl Williams (15%)
- Safety Alohi Gilman
- Slot defender Christian Roland-Wallace (No missed tackles)
- Cornerback Kristian Fulton (No missed tackles)
- Safety Chamarri Conner (No missed tackles)
In the Week 6 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, the defensive backfield’s tackling was especially on display. Roland-Wallace has stood out in this respect, although he was ejected in this game for throwing a punch.
The rookie, Mansoor Delane, has arguably been the most impactful tackler in the back end despite missing time. He has eight stops this year, tackles that force the offense to the sideline, and only Sneed has more from the Chiefs’ secondary.
Kansas City’s cornerback room has the highest missed-tackle rate with Nohl Williams, who has clearly shown the physicality and aggression needed to defend runs and quick passes to his side.
If there’s one thing Spags’ unit can hang their hat on right now, it’s tackling. It’s a big reason why the unit has allowed the fifth-fewest runs of 10 or more yards this year, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
As the pass rush gains momentum and the team sharpens its slot-receiver coverage, Chiefs Kingdom should be able to trust that its defenders bring ball carriers to the ground as often as any team in the league.
