The Key to The Chiefs Defense: Meet The Predator

Chiefs fans have been buzzing recently, speculating about the new 3-4 defense that Chiefs Head Coach Todd Haley and defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast have brought to Kansas City for the coming season. 

In this new defense, the focus will be on two positions; the weakside linebacker and a position new to Chiefs fans, known as the Predator.

In Arizona last season, Karlos Dansby excelled as the weakside linebacker, a role focused on getting up the field and making plays on the ballcarrier. For the Chiefs, this role will belong to Derrick Johnson who should flourish playing next to Zach Thomas.

The most important position in this defense, the Predator, is the root of all of the confusion over whether or not the formation should be considered a 3-4 or a 4-3.  Arizona Cardinals linebackers coach Bill Davis actually calls it the "4-3 Under."

And while it can be debated as to what to call the Chiefs' defense, one thing is certain, the Predator is the key to the success of this defense.  Easily defined, the Predator is a speed rushing defensive end who starts out in a two-point stance, and resembles the look of a fourth linebacker in a 3-4 set.  

The Predator will occasionally be asked to drop back into coverage, typically opposite a back or tight end.  The main responsibility, however, is to come off the edge and apply pressure to the quarterback. 

In Arizona last season, Bertrand Berry and Travis LaBoy each assumed the role of the Predator in the Cardinals' defense. Between them, they combined for 53 tackles and nine sacks.  The Chiefs will be looking for similar production out of their Predator.

Both Berry and LaBoy played the position at 260 lbs, each with adequate burst off the edge to get up the field after the quarterback. For the Chiefs, the top two candidates for the job are Mike Vrabel and Tamba Hali. 

Vrabel, a 13-year veteran, played in a similar position at times in New England.  While he may lack the ideal speed to assume the role on a full-time basis, his experience will go a long way in getting players like Hali acclimated to the role.

Hali, who played defensive end in a true 4-3 set at 275 lbs last season, is in the process of dropping 15 to 20 lbs to transition to the Predator position.  In fact, Hali has already lined up at the Predator position earlier this week at OTAs.   

Considering Hali excelled at rushing the passer from a two-point stance while at Penn State, his transition to Predator in this defense shouldn't be anywhere near as difficult as a lot of people think. 

Assuming he is able to drop the weight and get back down between the 250 and 260 lbs, Hali should be ready, willing, and able to supply the Chiefs with a pass rush they haven't seen since trading Jared Allen to Minnesota after the 2007 season. 

For Hali, this season presents a unique opportunity he has yet to enjoy in previous Chiefs defenses.  He has a chance to take full advantage of the speed and edge rushing skills that made him a star for the Nittany Lions and a first-round pick in 2006. 

If he excels in his new role, Hali should not only enjoy his best season as a Chief, but the defense will be substantially better than a year ago.  

If Hali can't get the job done, however, not only will the Chiefs' defense struggle to stop opponents again in 2009, Hali will be looking for a new employer in 2010.