For the third straight year, I’m considering the 10 biggest questions I have for the Kansas City Chiefs for 2025.
As I watch the Chiefs’ games from last season, I often notice a lack of secondary pass rush. While Chris Jones was a dominant pass rusher every week, there were other games in which no other Kansas City player was generating pressure; it was an issue in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the second matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers and the first game against the Denver Broncos.
Still, the Chiefs did a good job getting pressure against the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills in the postseason. In the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles, however, they couldn’t get anything going — although this was against the Eagles’ great offensive line.
Since the defensive line was largely unchanged from the previous season, why did Kansas City get less pressure in 2024? I have identified two core reasons:
Differences in coverage calls
Last season, the Chiefs were shifting coverages in the secondary. This isn’t a criticism; the pass defense continued to be very good. I’d even argue that without cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, it was smart for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to adjust the coverage.
In 2023, Kansas City mainly ran a man coverage scheme that depended on Sneed (and cornerback Trent McDuffie) to shut down the opposing team’s two best wide receivers — which they did very well. This meant quarterbacks had to hold the ball longer to find open windows, giving the Chiefs’ pass rushers more time to get home.
But in 2024, Kansas City lacked the personnel to depend so much on man coverage. So the defense primarily used more shell coverages, protecting itself over the top by passing off routes in a Cover 4 scheme — and did a great job with it. But using this approach — which generally left only three defenders underneath — conceded quick routes to the offense. With the ball coming out more quickly, it was harder for the defensive line to get pressure.
Defensive end regression
But this wasn’t the only problem.
While defensive end George Karlaftis was still an impactful player, he recorded fewer pressures: 61 in 2024, compared to 64 in the previous season. But on a per-snap basis, the difference was much more stark: Karlaftis’ pressure rate dipped from 14.1% in 2023 to 11.2% in 2024.
The other defensive ends struggled even more. Mike Danna finished the season with only 22 pressures (after having 41 in 2023). On film, Danna struggled to get any pass rush wins — especially against quick passes.
Charles Omenihu’s production was also down, as he played in only six games after recovering from a torn ACL. Unfortunately, this had a cascading effect on everyone else. In 2023, Kansas City’s pass rush really got rolling only after Omenihu returned from his six-game suspension. Without him for much of the following season, you could see the difference.
Just as in his rookie season, Felix Anudike-Uzomah didn’t contribute much. Josh Uche — brought in to bring additional pass-rushing juice — was also a disappointment.
Essentially, there was little pressure from anyone not named Jones or Karlaftis. The team lacked speed (and bend) around the corner, making it difficult to get around offensive tackles, forcing the defensive line to crush the pocket to create pressure. Knowing this, tackles don’t have to set as deep — allowing them to anchor against power rushes — further negating the defensive line’s impact.
How can the pass rush get better in 2025?
Two things will have to happen: we’ll need to see improved play from returning players, along with rookies proving their value.
Now that Karlaftis will potentially be in a contract year, will he show us another level? Or has he already reached his ceiling?
Will a fully-recovered Omenihu play like he did in 2023, when his addition significantly improved the pass rush? Or will his ACL injury keep him from playing his best? Will Danna have a bigger impact? Can the Chiefs get anything out of Anudike-Uzomah?
Can two rookie defensive linemen — defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott and defensive end Ashton Gillotte — give Kansas City pass-rushing production? Can they instantly prove themselves as rotational players? Or will they struggle as they go through natural growing pains?
These two players feel especially important for the coming season. If they can contribute right away, the defense will field a deeper, more diverse pass rush; going from having three or four quality pass rushers to five or six would make a big difference. But if they can’t, Kansas City will lack depth at these positions.
I still think, though, that the secondary pass rush will improve. Gillotte and Norman-Lott are talented prospects. I think Karlaftis can find another gear — and I think Omenihu will look much better.
Let’s hope so — because the quality of the Chiefs’ pass rush will have a lot to do with keeping it among the league’s top defenses.
