The Kansas City Chiefs returned to the training facility Tuesday to begin preparing for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo opens each Tuesday meeting by pointing out where his players must improve, and he says the group takes that criticism well.
The defense's most pressing problem is its lack of a sack over the past month. The Chiefs, 4-0 and undefeated, hope that trend ends against a Chargers team that has struggled to protect quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert has been sacked at least twice in every game, and the Chargers are 0-5. Without several starting linemen, he was sacked five times in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos. Entering this week, the Chiefs ranked 27th in pass rush win rate, generating pressure just 45% of the time.
Coach Andy Reid said the team has kept opposing quarterbacks busy with pressure, even without sacks. Against the Las Vegas Raiders, Kirk Cousins was pressured on just 34.6% of his drops, yet Kansas City won a comeback game. Defensive tackle Chris Jones said the team's costly penalties have hurt it more than anything, and a holding penalty by L'Jarius Sneed wiped out a late sack of Cousins.
Last season the Chiefs recorded just 35 sacks, the fifth fewest in the league, and entering Sunday they have only three. Defensive end George Karlaftis said the group is motivated and wants to affect the quarterback more. He acknowledged missed opportunities and said the unit expects to improve as the season goes on.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing