FEATURE STORIES

DEFENSIVE LINE MAKING CHANGES FOR THE BETTER

By Renee Thony
University Communications

The Kansas City Chiefs defensive line is undergoing just as many changes as the rest of the franchise, it seems.

The Chiefs defense switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme this season, which ultimately means one less defensive linemen is up front. Defensive ends Tamba Hali and Turk McBride have been moved to the linebacker position in order to conform to the new 3-4 defense.

Last season, the Chiefs defense was near the bottom of the league in all statistical categories. The Chiefs ranked 19th overall in the league allowing an average of 27.5 points per game. In addition, the team gave up 393.2 yards per game, which let them sit 31st in the league with that statistic. The Chiefs allowed their opponents 234.2 pass yards a game (ranked 28th) and 158.9 rush yards per game (ranked 30th).

It’s dismal figures like these that allow the defensive line to be so positive - positive that they will only get better, that things can only go up from here. Big names that are returning to the lineup, looking for a difference in the 2009 season for the Chiefs defensive line include nine-year veteran defensive end Alfonso Boone, who posted 14 total tackles (12 solo, two assisted) in the 2008 season as well as three quarterback pressures and one defensed pass. Alongside Boone, nine-year veteran tackle Ron Edwards looks to make some big plays. Edwards boasted 10 total tackles last season (seven solo, three assisted) and five quarterback pressures.

The Chiefs are fresh into their 2009 Summer Training Camp at UWRF and Edwards had sat out the first day of practice, missing two practices. On the second day, Edwards was dressed in his pads, working hard with his teammates.

The other two returning defensive linemen that are going to be key to the overall success of the Chiefs defense are defensive end Glenn Dorsey and defensive tackle Tank Tyler. Dorsey was last year’s fifth-overall NFL Draft pick out of LSU. Dorsey had a respectable 50 tackles (41 solo, nine assisted) in his rookie season as well as one forced fumble and one defensed pass. Dorsey has not participated in the first two days of training camp after he failed new Head Coach Todd Haley’s conditioning test. Dorsey has been working with trainers and other teammates in his position to get in better physical condition so he can begin participating in practices and helping the team. He said that he knows he has a ways to go yet, but he is looking to use the pressure there is to perform to make a difference.

This season, the inside tackle will be moving to a defensive end spot. Dorsey said there is not much difference in the two spots, which makes him confident in his ability to perform in the new position. “There’s a lot of similarities between being an inside tackle and a defensive end,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it. I know I can do it.”

Tyler recorded 41 total tackles (35 solo, six assisted) in the 2008 season as well as an impressive nine quarterback pressures, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. The Chiefs will be turning to Tyler to use his three-year NFL experience to turn the line around.

The Chiefs have a foundation built of veteran players, but after the 2009 NFL Draft, the team is going to look to two rookies to make a big difference. Tyson Jackson is a defensive end out of LSU. Jackson was the Chiefs first pick in the draft, going third overall. Jackson has posted impressive numbers coming out of LSU, making him the highest drafted defensive player selected in LSU history. Jackson boasted 122 tackles (55 solo, 67 assisted), 27 of those tackles being for lost yards. He’s recorded 18.5 sacks and 33 quarterback pressures. He forced two fumbles as well as recovered two, and he defensed 18 total passes throughout his career as a Tiger. The Chiefs are turning to Jackson to be a big playmaker in the 2009 season.

As of the start of training camp, Jackson has not signed with the Chiefs. The business aspect of his contract are still being ironed out. Haley has declined to comment countless times about the end’s late arrival, stating that he is “only concerned with the players we’ve got at practice already.”

In addition to picking up Jackson, the Chiefs scooped up another defensive end in Alex Magee, the 67th overall pick out of Purdue. Magee left Purdue with 117 total tackles (68 solo, 49 assisted), 14 of those tackles being for a loss of yards, six sacks, an interception, two defensed passes, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. Magee is said to be versatile, which will benefit a defense like the Chiefs, one that has undergone some hefty changes recently.

Magee has shown much promise in the first days of training camp. He has been practicing with the first-string defense, alongside Boone, Edwards and Tyler. Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie has given Magee much praise during drills, saying that he’s strong and making good hits. The Chiefs will benefit from Magee’s ability to tackle if he can continue to perform at the level he has thus far in training camp.

So far at training camp Krumrie, who has spent three prior years with Kansas City, has been preaching to his linemen about hand placement and being able to move quickly off the line of scrimmage. During drills, Krumrie will hound his veteran players to move their feet and use their hands. Krumrie, a Wisconsin native, has a lot of tips to offer his defensive linemen throughout the duration of training camp.

Upon the arrival of Jackson, the defensive line will be able to being meshing together better. In addition to Jackson’s presence, the Chiefs could use Dorsey’s body and smarts on the line as well. Looking to the veteran players to show the rookies how things go on an NFL line will be crucial if the Chiefs are serious about looking to be better in 2009.