Chiefs Defensive Line Scrambles For Position

There are many meanings to the word "Technique."

When it comes to describing a Defensive line and its relevant formation, it is often indicated by number and defines a player's position. With that in mind, this is the first year in recent memory I can ever remember where EVERY defensive lineman will play a different position this coming season, compared to the year before.

To me, this is both fascinating and mind-boggling. Lets look how this is supposed to play out (no pun intended).

Ron Edwards—Will make the switch from Defensive Tackle to Nose Tackle. Probably will struggle. He needs to play lower as well as anchor, because he will taking on double  teams. I think his overall strength will determine just how effective he is. He should add maybe another 10 pounds of muscle. While many other players are shedding weight, he will be asked to gain.

Tank Tyler—He will be making the same switch as Edwards, but in Tyler's case, he's more natural at that position. He has tremendous upper body strength. What he needs to do is improve his lower body strength so he doesn't play so top heavy. He'll need Edwards to split time there with him, because he won't have the stamina to hold up at that commanding position.

Alphonso Boone—This will be his third switch. Started at DT, last year moved to DE  now will be a Five Technique. The Kansas City Star said they thought Boone was the best DT the Chiefs have had in the last 10 years when he played inside on a 4-3. He won't have that option this year. Soft body, but still has the size to play at the Five.

Tamba Hali—Tamba will lose weight and play outside linebacker. Interesting, but there are concerns because of his lack of speed and instincts in pass coverage. Some scouts did project him at that spot coming out of Penn State. You have to wonder, however, if he and Mike Vrabel have the speed to turn the corner at this stage in their careers. One may also wonder about their pass coverage skills as well

Turk McBride—Now this is a joke. A 280-pound Defensive Tackle has to "make it" at linebacker or he's out. It's one thing to move from DT to DE, but Linebacker? Sorry, management, but you'll be cutting a second round pick because he doesn't fit your system. Wasn't it a second round pick you recieved for Gonzalez? Food for thought.

Wallace Gilberry—Wasn't drafted, but had 10 sacks as a senior at Alabama. He would have a shot to bulk up and play inside in the old regime. Now it's a matter of losing a lot of weight, or else. I also might point out he runs a 5.0.

Glenn Dorsey—I feel sorry for this guy. First, Edwards insists on lining him on top of a Guard, rather than at the three-technique, where he could shoot gaps. Now, he's moving outside to a Base End at 6'1", 298 lbs.? He'll eventually be a Pro Bowler but it may not happen in Kansas City.

Alex Magee—Their Third Rounder works best at the Three, like Dorsey. So naturally, they'll be playing him out of position as a Five. At 300 lbs., he is a fit at 5, but he's more quick than powerful. Occupying blockers is the key in this scheme.

Tyson Jackson—Even he has to move from DE in a 4/3 scheme to End in a 3/4. In his case the move IS justified and he will be a natural there. He is one of the few linemen they have that if pushed, can push back.

All the others, pretty much the same story.

The question here is do you have a system to fit the players, or need players to fit the system? If these changes don't work out there will be alot of new faces before the season opens

Management is making it known they are in control, like it or not. Chief fans have been waiting 40 years for a Super Bowl.

Patience may be wearing thin.