Chief Concerns

What has worked for Kansas City the past two seasons has been their defense.

Since Romeo Crennel the defense has settled. As bad as 2011 started the defense buckled down and finished the season a top 15 defense. The defense permitted the 12th fewest points in the NFL allowing 21.1 points per game. Crennel's 2011 defense also allowed fewer yards than in 2010.

Last season the defense was blasted for 89 points against the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions in their first two games. Averaging just 13.2 points per game for the entire season the offense offered little help.

In 10 games last season the defense allowed 20 points or less. In the Chiefs last three games the defense allowed an average of 11 points per game.

Derrick Johnson loves this defense…

Folks credited Todd Haley with Derrick Johnson's turnaround but honestly Romeo Crennel had more to do with Johnson's play than Haley. Before Crennel Johnson’s production was inconsistent. Johnson had talent but something was missing.

What was absent was a coach like Crennel. Not just Crennel, but other coaches Crennel added to his staff.

"I love the defense," said Derrick Johnson today after OTA's. "It's come together pretty quickly for me these last three years. I'm loving it. I've never played it before in the past, but we have great coaches. That's a big reason why it's coming together for me and my teammates."

The defense being what it is and the coaching staff helping Johnson he feels like the consistency will come this season for him and his defensive teammates.

"If I can become more consistent as a player, that's what you want to do. Watch the great players in the past. The one thing that they have in common is being consistent. They don't have a game up and a game down. Just be the same guy all the time, play at a high level and try to do that for my team. We'll get a lot done."

Last season the defense gave up too many rushing yards…

Kansas City allowed the seventh most rushing yards in the NFL despite ranking 11th in total yards permitted. Kansas City gave up 132 yards rushing per game compared to 2010 when they allowed 110 yards per game.

Last season Kansas City was without Shaun Smith or Ron Edwards who occupied the middle in 2010. In 2010 Kansas City was 14th against the run.

The selection of Dontari Poe may have come at a great time for Kansas City especially if Poe matures under Romeo Crennel. This season Kansas City plays seven teams that placed top 15 rushing the ball in 2011.

The Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Denver Broncos ranked number one averaging 164.5 yards per game last season. Of course Tim Tebow had several hundred yards to do that, but versatile back rookie Ronnie Hillman could be a Bronco jewel.

Even more reason for Poe to pay attention and become what Crennel hopes he will be.

Kansas City was ranked top-five in passing yards allowed in 2011. Getting the run under control is paramount to making this defense complete in 2012.

With who K.C. has to play this season they need that dominant defense.

Good day, Chief fans!