Here's what scares the Chiefs most about the Jets' offense
When Kansas City Chiefs LB Willie Gay Jr. was asked about what he sees in New York Jets QB Zach Wilson, his response was: "A team that wants to run the ball." The quote is making the rounds, but it's lacking the valuable context that the Chiefs' defense fears the Jets' running game. It has been […]
When Kansas City Chiefs LB Willie Gay Jr. was asked about what he sees in New York Jets QB Zach Wilson, his response was: "A team that wants to run the ball."
The quote is making the rounds, but it's lacking the valuable context that the Chiefs' defense fears the Jets' running game. It has been a talking point for the coaching staff all week leading up to the game and surely has been an emphasis in practice.
Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen was the one who elaborated most during his Thursday media availability.
"Their running game, both of their backs – (Jets RB Dalvin) Cook and (Jets RB Breece) Hall – they’re as good as they get," Cullen said. "I think Hall has averaged 5.9 (yards) a carry since he’s been in the league, and he can do it all. He can break away; he can run you over. And Cook’s been a perennial Pro Bowler, 41 career touchdowns, four-time 1,000-yard runner – so we have our hands full there."
Defending the run hasn't exactly been a strong suit for the Chiefs' defense so far this season. They've allowed just over 100 yards rushing per game on average through the first three weeks of the 2023 NFL season. It also looks like they'll once again be without star linebacker Nick Bolton, who missed his fifth consecutive practice with an ankle injury on Thursday.
That could spell trouble for the Chiefs' defense if the Jets are able to get the run game going. Cullen feels that Hall specifically has made some strides in his recovery from his 2022 knee injury.
“I tell you what, he (Jets RB Breece Hall) broke against the Buffalo Bills who have a really good front," Cullen said. "They had 172 yards rushing, and he broke a couple of long ones. It’s just one of those things, an injury like that takes time and he’s gotten stronger and stronger as the games have gone on.”
All it takes is one long run to really dash the spirits of a defense.
The Chiefs have some big bodies in the defensive line room and this might be the perfect week to use them alongside the athletes they have at the linebacker position. All-in-all they'll be looking to stop the run early in order to force the Jets' QB Wilson to throw the ball on third down.
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Featured image via Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
