West 6,713 Posted August 30, 2015 Share Posted August 30, 2015 Sports Illustrated's Robert Klemko: "It Will Probably be the Number One Defense in the NFL" BJ Kissel Chiefs Reporter KCChiefs.com Klemko shared his thoughts on the Chiefs defense and its newest playmaking receiver It’s easy for Kansas City Chiefs fans to get excited about Jeremy Maclin and all that he could potentially bring to the offense this season. The same can be said for the defense, which will see the return of defensive lineman Mike DeVito and linebacker Derrick Johnson. But if you want an unbiased view of the Chiefs newest target and the defense as a whole, Robert Klemko of MMQB and Sports Illustrated recently shared his feelings on these areas. "I think what they love about [Maclin] wherever he goes is what a great route runner he is,” Klemko said. “He's very special at finding those passing lanes for his quarterbacks. When you ask cornerbacks around the NFL, "Who are the better route runners?' “They will say Jeremy Maclin." The ability to separate from defenders and give his quarterback an open target should help the Chiefs passing game this season. Maclin signed a multi-year deal this offseason to be one of the focal points of the Chiefs offense, which has plenty of talent surrounding him with running back Jamaal Charles and tight end Travis Kelce, among others. On the defensive side of the ball, Klemko points to the linebackers group of Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali, who he believes make up one of the best groups in recent NFL history. "You'd have to probably go back to the early 2000s Ravens linebacker group when they first got Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis was in his prime,” Klemko said of finding a group on that level. “That's the only one that really compares to it. You could make a case for the Seahawks, but that might just be because their defensive line makes those guys look so good. “When you watch the Chiefs, you can tell that that's the heart of their defense.” Klemko believes the return of Johnson and DeVito this season to a defense that finished No. 2 in the NFL a year ago by allowing just 17.6 points per game might push them over the top. “Now that they have all of the pieces back, it probably will be the number one defense in the NFL.” Klemko said it would ultimately be the offensive line and quarterback Alex Smith who will determine how far this Chiefs team can go, but that they’re in a prime position to overtake the AFC West division in 2015. “I would think this year more than any year would be their best chance to win the division.”Here’s to hoping he’s right about all that he said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West 6,713 Posted August 30, 2015 Author Share Posted August 30, 2015 Manning is going to have his hands full....If he thought Navarro Bowman was a problem last night he is going to really enjoy the Chiefs this year! w Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West 6,713 Posted August 30, 2015 Author Share Posted August 30, 2015 I think this years team is going to be a real contender if they can stay reasonably healthy... They have great depth, but the starters are very, very good. w Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilkie 1,518 Posted August 30, 2015 Share Posted August 30, 2015 Need Poe back. Ramik Wilson is the real deal. Marcus Peters is too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kychief 239 Posted August 30, 2015 Share Posted August 30, 2015 they go as the offensive line does... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KC Warpaint 3,234 Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 they go as the offensive line does... ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qnet 1,150 Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 ?? I'm assuming he means that the oline can control the game by helping get 1st downs, eating up clock, and letting the defense rest more and stay fresh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer 8,686 Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 SI curse? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kychief 239 Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 ?? my bad I was replying to west post about the overall team..should've quoted him... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artsy 1,137 Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 Need Poe back. Ramik Wilson is the real deal. Marcus Peters is too. I think Justin March is better than Wilson...I suppose we will see. I just hope one of them can unseat Mauga. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DieHard 2,061 Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 Nice to have 2 guys with a nose for the ball. March and Wilson have great instincts so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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