4. Kansas City Chiefs
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Rookie cornerback Trent McDuffie’s return from a lengthy absence provided some stability for Kansas City’s secondary. Now primarily operating as a slot corner, McDuffie allowed just 9.3 yards per reception with a 57.8% catch rate (PFF) on targets thrown his way. When the Chiefs’ defensive front can’t get pressure, as Saturday’s game demonstrated, quarterbacks have no problem attacking the vulnerabilities in the defensive backfield.
Related: Super Bowl odds
Kansas City is also experiencing more difficulties stopping the run. After allowing just 65.8 rush ypg and 3.3 yards per carry through the first four games, the Chiefs allowed 120 rush ypg and 4.6 ypc in their final 13 regular-season contests. The Jacksonville Jaguars took full advantage, rushing for 144 yards and averaging 7.6 yards per touch.
Unfortunately for the Chiefs, the Patrick Mahomes injury only reduces their margin for error. If Kansas City’s defense gives up 28-plus points, which is likely to happen against an elite quarterback, Mahomes can’t save the day playing on a high-ankle sprain. Takeaways are the only way for the Chiefs’ defense to become AFC champions.
- Previously: No. 6 in NFL defense rankings
Rookie cornerback Trent McDuffie’s return from a lengthy absence provided some stability for Kansas City’s secondary. Now primarily operating as a slot corner, McDuffie allowed just 9.3 yards per reception with a 57.8% catch rate (PFF) on targets thrown his way. When the Chiefs’ defensive front can’t get pressure, as Saturday’s game demonstrated, quarterbacks have no problem attacking the vulnerabilities in the defensive backfield.
Related: Super Bowl odds
Kansas City is also experiencing more difficulties stopping the run. After allowing just 65.8 rush ypg and 3.3 yards per carry through the first four games, the Chiefs allowed 120 rush ypg and 4.6 ypc in their final 13 regular-season contests. The Jacksonville Jaguars took full advantage, rushing for 144 yards and averaging 7.6 yards per touch.
Unfortunately for the Chiefs, the Patrick Mahomes injury only reduces their margin for error. If Kansas City’s defense gives up 28-plus points, which is likely to happen against an elite quarterback, Mahomes can’t save the day playing on a high-ankle sprain. Takeaways are the only way for the Chiefs’ defense to become AFC champions.
1. Philadephia Eagles
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Led by Haason Reddick (1.5 sacks) and Josh Sweat (1.5 sacks), the Eagles took Daniel Jones down for five sacks with eight quarterbacks hit on Saturday. Philadelphia overwhelmed Jones, pressuring him on 64% of his dropbacks in the first half. Combine that with the best secondary in the NFL and it’s easy to see why the Eagles are headed to the NFC Championship Game.
never thought eagles would win 31-7 wow
- Previously: No. 1 in NFL defense rankings
Led by Haason Reddick (1.5 sacks) and Josh Sweat (1.5 sacks), the Eagles took Daniel Jones down for five sacks with eight quarterbacks hit on Saturday. Philadelphia overwhelmed Jones, pressuring him on 64% of his dropbacks in the first half. Combine that with the best secondary in the NFL and it’s easy to see why the Eagles are headed to the NFC Championship Game.
never thought eagles would win 31-7 wow
