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Chiefs defense great but still flawed

Chiefs defense looks to dominate once again
Posted at 4:38 PM, Aug 05, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-05 17:44:15-04

There's a saying - offense wins games, but defense wins championships.

The Chiefs have one of the best and most talented defensive united in the entire National Football League. A lot of the reason has been the continuity and stability of the roster and the coaches. Most of the continuity on the defense comes from the linebackers and the secondary.

However, there are some new faces on defense at training camp. Fifth round draft pick Ukeme Eligwe out of Georgia Southern seems to continue impressing his coaches on the field. Defensive Coordinator Bob Sutton has been pleased with Ukeme. But, it's Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub that continues to sing his praises.

"[Ukeme] Eligwe is a linebacker. No question. I have already got him started on punting. So, that says a lot about him," Coach Toub said. "He may not be with me for a long time because he may be on defense because he is that good."

Ukeme is trying to fit in with a linebacking corp that is already filled with lots of talent. 

"As a rookie, I just feel like you gotta grasp the playbook so you don't second guess yourself," Eligwe said. "So, you don't step slow out there so you know what you're doing and you're making plays. That's pretty much it, bottom line."

However, the Chiefs defense does have some weak spots. They had a tough time trying to stop the run. Last year, they finished 26th out of 32 in total rushing yards allowed and 26th in average rushing yards per game allowed. Much of the run-stopping duties start up front with the defensive line. However, the team lost two key players in the offseason: Dontari Poe signed with the Atlanta Falcons and Jaye Howard signed with Chicago. 

Then Chiefs replaced them with Philadelphia starting defensive lineman Bennie Logan whom they signed in the offseason. 

"This camp, I've progressed a lot especially in OTA's with getting up the middle, collapsing the pocket, creating pressure," Logan said. "But, [it's] not just me. It's a good thing because you have those edge rushers which allows a quarterback to, you know, step up. And, with them stepping up which allows me to push the pocket a lot quicker and get off and get to the quarterback."

Defensive Coordinator Sutton has also been impressed with how Bennie has stepped right in with the defense.

"Bennie has done a great job in here. He is a pro," Sutton said. "He is highly competitive. I think he is real physical. He plays with that grit that you need to have to play defense with and certainly on the defensive line. I think he is going to be a real good addition."