NFL
By Bill Carroll
The Numbers that paint a picture of the 2023 Kansas are more like a Wassily Wassilyevich Kandinsky painting than they are like the work of Arinze Stanley Egbengwu, for those who slept through art appreciation: this is a Kandinsky.
While this is the work of Arinze Stanley Egbengwu:
By this I mean that the numbers that can be gleaned about the team’s first five games by the numbers, are more an abstract expression or impression of how the Chiefs are performing. The measures, metrics and statistics of the 2023 Chief’s first five games by the numbers, are definitely not a hyper-realistic sketch of the team’s performance.
The 2023 Chiefs By The Numbers
The 2023 Chiefs By The Numbers Defense:
The Chief’s, in their first five games, have allowed 301.4 yards per game to opponents. 97.2 yards rushing per game and 204.2 yards per game passing. In their first five games the Chiefs have generated nine sacks, allowed 16 points per game and third down conversion percentage of 53%. Additionally, the defense has 24 passes defended with an interception and five fumbles recovered, while some would expect more interceptions since they have faced Justin Fields and Zach Wilson, the defense has performed well.
The Bad News
The toughest part of the schedule, other than the Detroit Lions game, still awaits them. After the Broncos, Kansas City has the Dolphins, The Philadelphia Eagles, the number one and and number two offenses in the NFL, after that are the Raiders and Packers, then the Bills come to pay the 2023 Chiefs a visit and by the numbers, the Buffalo Bills are the fourth ranked offense in the league.
The Good News
Christopher Deshun Jones returned and immediately the defense improved. By the numbers, Jones has four and half sacks and continues to be the linchpin of an improving defense. Another vital factor for The 2023 Chiefs By The Numbers, has been the emergence of Trent McDuffie. The 23-year-old has combined with fellow excellent Chiefs corner, L’Jarius Sneed The 2023 Chiefs Defense By The Numbers, is unit that has yet to surrender 21 points in a game. Sneed has become a top four man-press coverage player and McDuffie currently has a PFF grade of 84.5, tops among corner-backs who have played at least 300 snaps in coverage.
The 2023 Chiefs By The Numbers Defensive Coordinator:
Stephen Christopher Spagnuolo has three Super Rings as a coordinator, he is the only defensive coordinator who has won a Super Bowl with two different franchises, that earned him a reputation as an effective NFL defensive coordinator with strategies that set him apart, here is why he’s considered successful:
1. Adaptability:
Spagnuolo is known for his adaptability in tailoring his defensive schemes to his personnel and the opposing offenses. He doesn’t adhere rigidly to a single system but instead evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of his players and the opponent to create a game plan that maximizes the defense.
2. Aggressive Blitzing:
One of Spagnuolo’s trademarks is his aggressive blitzing strategy. He’s not afraid to send extra pass rushers, forcing quick decisions, disrupting the opposing quarterback’s timing. This aggressiveness often leads to turnovers, sacks, and negative plays for the offense.
3. Creative Pressure Packages:
Spagnuolo excels in designing creative pressure packages that confuse offensive lines and quarterbacks. His schemes often involve stunts, twists, and disguised blitzes that keep opposing offenses guessing and under pressure.
A great example is how he prepared his defenses to face Tom Brady.
“It was little things like that he was able to do, and mixing up coverages on the back end to allow us to get home, because Brady was getting rid of the ball really quick in that first game,’’ said Osi Umenyiora, now a football analyst for the BBC. “And so Spags said to himself, ‘OK, we know we have a superior defensive line, all we have to do is get these guys just one extra second, one extra step to get there to get to the quarterback.’
4. Strong Fundamentals:
Despite his aggressive approach, Spagnuolo emphasizes strong fundamentals. He emphasizes proper gap discipline in run defense, that his players tackle well, cover effectively in both man-to-man and zone coverage. This balance of aggression and fundamentals contributes to a well-rounded defense.
5. Versatility in Coverage:
Spagnuolo’s defenses are known for their versatility in coverage. He’s capable of using both man-to-man and zone coverage effectively, and his schemes often involve hybrid coverage that disguises the defense’s intentions and confuses opposing quarterbacks.
6. Effective Run Defense:
Spagnuolo places a strong emphasis on run defense, and his units are typically stout against the run. It is stressed that defensive linemen and, especially, linebackers are disciplined in gap assignments and prioritize stopping the run.
7. Red Zone Efficiency:
One of Spagnuolo’s strengths is his ability to limit opponents’ scoring opportunities in the red zone. His defenses tend to tighten up in the red zone, making it difficult for opponents to score touchdowns and forcing field goal attempts.
8. Game-Planning and Adjustments:
Spagnuolo is a skilled game planner, often making deft in-game adjustments. He carefully studies opponents’ tendencies and develops a game plan to exploit weaknesses. Additionally, he’s quick to make halftime adjustments to counteract what the opposing offense has shown in the first half.
9. Motivational Leadership:
Spagnuolo is known for his motivational leadership style. He inspires his players with his enthusiasm and passion for the game, fostering a sense of unity and commitment within the defense.
10. Experience and Success:
Having worked with successful head coaches and other talented coordinators, Spagnuolo has gathered a wealth of experience in the NFL. He has been part of Super Bowl-winning defenses, which speaks to his ability to lead a championship-caliber unit.
Spagnuolo’s effectiveness as an NFL defensive coordinator is due to his adaptability, aggressive and creative schemes, strong fundamentals, versatile coverage, and commitment to a balanced approach that excels in both defending run and pass-rushing. His motivational approach and wealth of experience enhance his credentials as one of the NFL’s top defensive minds.
The 2023 Chiefs By The Numbers Offense:
While it may be an exaggeration to say that the sky is falling, it’s clear that the sky is not as high as it once was. The 2023 Chiefs Offense By The Numbers is still a good unit, in the top 10. They are still producing 381 total yards per game and 25.6 points per game.
The Bad News
The 2023 Chiefs offense by the numbers is currently producing 258 yards passing per game, which is down from 2022’s output of 297.76 and the 2023 Chiefs offense by the numbers current 5.8 yards per play is down from 6.4 in 2022. They were also tops in points per game in 2022 at 29.2. The 2022 team posted 413.6 total yards per game.
The Good News
Patrick Lavon Mahomes II still suits up, Travis Michael Kelce is likely to play well. despite a sore ankle. Mahomes recently singled out a rookie receiver after the win over the Vikings:
“He is doing a great job of being in the right spot at the right time,” Mahomes noted. “That’s the biggest thing. He plays hard, he plays fast, when he gets his opportunities, he makes the most out of them. He’ll just continue to learn.” “We got a coverage that we weren’t expecting… He was able to still win and be there at the right spot.”
“It’s learning on the go, that’s what you have to do as a rookie in this league. He’s doing a great job.”
That rookie, Rashee Rice is coming off of a five target, four catch game with 33 yards receiving and a touchdown. If he emerges as a consistent option in the passing game and if Skyy Moore can be a reliable addition with Justin Watson continuing to develop as a deep threat, [219 yards compiled on just 10 catches] the 2023 Chiefs by the numbers on offense should keep improving.
The 2023 Chiefs By The Numbers Offensive Coordinator:
Matthew Nagy returns to to the Chiefs after he had compiled a 34-31 record as the Bears head coach from 2018-2021, winning AP coach of the year in 2018, his first season, when the team went 12-4. He had worked under Doug Pederson and Andrew Walter Reid as the Arena Football league was dissolving, in 2008. He later rejoined Reid’s staff in Kansas City. While he has been greatly influenced by Reid, Nagy also brings his experience as Wing-T quarterback at Delaware and his extensive arena football experience.
- Nagy’s offensive system is rooted in the West Coast Offense, emphasizing safer, high-percentage passes and precise timing between the quarterback and receivers. This approach is designed to move the ball efficiently and control the tempo of the game.
- Spread Concepts: Nagy incorporates spread offense concepts, which involve spreading the field with multiple receiving options. This opens up passing lanes and creates mismatches in favor of the offense.
- RPO (Run-Pass Option) Plays: Nagy integrates Run-Pass Option plays, where the quarterback reads the defense post-snap and can choose to hand the ball off to a running back or pass it based on the defensive alignment. This adds an element of unpredictability to the offense.
- Versatility in Formations: Nagy’s offense is characterized by a wide variety of formations and personnel groupings, creating pre-snap confusion for the defense and allowing for versatility in play-calling.
- Motion and Shifts: Pre-snap motion and shifts are common in Nagy’s offense. These are used to identify defensive coverage, create favorable match-ups, and provide the quarterback with additional information before the snap.
- Quick-Passing Game: Nagy’s offense often features a quick-passing game, with a focus on getting the ball into the hands of play-makers in space. This approach is designed to limit the pass rush and gain yards after the catch.
- Play-Action: Play-action passes are a significant part of Nagy’s offensive strategy. By using effective run fakes, he aims to freeze linebackers and safeties, creating opportunities for big plays down the field.
- Use of the Running Back: Nagy values the running back position in both the running and passing games. He often designs plays to exploit match-ups and create receiving opportunities for his running backs.
- Adaptability: Nagy’s offensive philosophy is adaptable. He tailors his game-plan to the strengths and weaknesses of his personnel, adjusting his approach as needed to exploit the defense’s vulnerabilities.
- Innovation: Nagy is known for his innovative play-calling and willingness to creatively make space for improvisation. He introduces creative formations, trick plays, and unconventional concepts to keep defenses off balance.
Matt Nagy’s offensive philosophy is based on combining elements of the West Coast Offense with modern spread and RPO concepts, focusing on adaptability, innovation, and creating favorable match-ups for his play-makers. While the scheme seeks to have the defense guessing and creating opportunities for both consistent progress and big plays.
Examining the The 2023 Chiefs By The Numbers, I do see why some are concerned, but I called this “The Fine Art Of Nitpicking” because this coaching staff and team have shown that they are much more likely than not to figure out their early season semi-slump.
