Sweeping Changes in Store for 2009 Kansas City Chiefs' Defense

It does not take a rocket science genius to figure out that the Kansas City Chiefs' have the coaching staff and administrative know how to successfully transition from a 4-3 defense into what has now become the hot ticket of the National Football League, the 3-4.

With 2008's dismal performance clearly in the rear view mirror, the Chiefs' are prepping to embark on a defensive journey not seen around Arrowhead since the heyday of former great Derrick Thomas and sidekick Neil Smith.

The most obvious change is the transformation from the punch-less 4-3, Cover Two base defense installed by former head coach Herm Edwards to the attack from all angles 3-4 favored by new head coach Todd Haley, new defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, and new general manager Scott Pioli.

The question is have the Chiefs added this offseason the personnel needed to run the 3-4, a blitzing, attacking style of defense that has helped the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers win a combined five Super Bowls since 2001 running different variations of the defense.

The new regime may have found some of the answers in April's draft by selecting "prototypical" 3-4 defensive ends Tyson Jackson and Alex Magee. Last year's first round pick, Glenn Dorsey, is also expected to make the transition from 4-3 defensive tackle to 3-4 defensive end.

At linebacker, holdovers Derrick Johnson and converted defensive end Tamba Hali and imports Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas are expected to provide the confusing pressure that drives the 3-4 from the second level.

Vrable, acquired in a trade from New England, and free agent signee Thomas (Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys) both have extensive experience in the 3-4.

Not much is known about the secondary's ability to cover man to man, a true staple of the 3-4's aggressive nature. Confined in Edwards' Tampa (Cover) Two scheme, young corners Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr flashed enough big-play potential last season that the duo may be ready for the challenge of covering NFL wide receivers one-on-one.

Safeties Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard, both heavy hitters with questionable cover skills, may excel because of the penchant to stack the box with eight men in the 3-4. Their run-stopping abilities may go to another level with the change.

Although the coaching and personnel is in place for the Chiefs to implement the 3-4, a successful transition is not a sure-fire move.

According to boltsfromtheblue.com since 2003 teams transitioning from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense have fared mediocre at best.

Below is a look at each team that is currently running the 3-4 defense and how that transition went in year one.

	Sk	Int	PA	Record
Ravens (2006)	60	28	201	13-3
Ravens (2007)	31	17	384	5-11
Browns (2004)	32	15	390	4-12
Browns (2005)	23	15	301	6-10
49ers (2006)	34	14	412	7-9
49ers (2007)	31	12	364	5-11
Jets (2006)	35	16	295	10-6
Jets (2007)	29	15	355	4-12
Chargers (2003)	30	13	441	4-12
Chargers (2004)	29	23	313	12-4
Patriots (2003)	41	29	238	14-2
Patriots (2004)	45	20	260	14-2

The only team that had a drastic improvement in their defense in year one of the transition to the 3-4 were the 2004 San Diego Chargers, boltsfromtheblue.com reports.

Looking at the other teams, the Patriots grabbed nine less interceptions and allowed 22 more points over the course of that first year in the 3-4. 

The Jets had six less sacks, one less interception, and allowed 60 more points. 

The Niners managed to give up less points in the 3-4 defense, but declined in terms of sacks, interceptions, and overall record. 

The Browns also managed to give up less points and also improved their record incrementally, but their sack total dropped off by about 30 percent. 

And finally, boltsfromtheblue.com reports, the Ravens had a disastrous first year, getting roughly half the number of sacks and interceptions as the previous year and nearly doubling the amount of points given up.

Only time will tell if the Chiefs' 2009 defense is up to the challenge of converting to the 3-4. Recent history has shown teams' defenses have taken a step back in year one before drastic improvement is made.

The trump card lies in the hands of the coaching/administrative staff. Pendergast, Haley, and Pioli's experience with the 3-4 defense is sure to move the transition along smoothly and efficiently.