Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo reveals why he likely won’t be doing what most are begging him to do with the defense
The Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo relies on defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi too much.
In the midst of all the drama that is currently, and seemingly always, surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs, is the discussion regarding their defensive line and a potential change in rotation. Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi has played the role of the glue guy in the past, especially being as effective as he has been in the run game. But 2025 has not been as great for him.
Some fans are calling for a change, whether that be giving him much fewer snaps than what he’s getting, considering he’s playing much more now than he did last year, or whether it’s playing rookie defensive tackle Omar Norman-Lott more. Steve Spagnuolo probably won’t be making any changes anytime soon.
The Chiefs rely on defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi too much
“I rely heavily on Derrick (Nnadi) with regards to – I trust him, he (Derrick Nnadi) knows what we’re doing,” Spagnuolo told reporters on Thursday. “I know he’s going to be where he’s supposed to be, and he handles his gap. Now we don’t put Derrick in to rush the passer because that’s not his (strength), but I think for what we’re asking him to do, he’s done a solid job for us. And we need that from those inside guys. You guys see it during the game, Chris (Jones) can’t be out there every down, so at some point (Defensive Line Coach) Joe’s (Cullen) got to give him (Chris Jones) a break, and the next two guys that go in there got to kind of hold the fort down until Chris gets back in there.”
According to Sports Info Solutions, Nnadi has had 37 pass rush reps so far this season, and has yet to have pressure on the quarterback. Sure, that’s not his role, as he’s much more of a run defense guy; however, that hasn’t been as effective, either, so if he’s not doing either of them, then what’s the cost of playing the rookie?
Norman-Lott has a sack on the season and three pressures on 41 pass rush snaps, which still isn’t amazing, but it’s so much better. And, he’s shown progression as the season has gone on. Nnadi doesn’t have a tackle for loss, while Norman-Lott has one.
Derrick Nnadi’s 2025 Stats
- Five total tackles in four games started.
- Three total quarterback pressures.
- 37 total pass rush snaps.
- 83 total run defense snaps.
One can get better at both areas, and the other one, we pretty much know what he is. Now, the interior held up fine against the Detroit Lions last week, considering how good that offensive line is. But, from what it sounds like, Spags won’t be cutting those snaps in half, or at least making Norman-Lott the full-time guy, anytime soon.
However, they have only played six games, so a lot can change in the next 12 weeks. It sounds like the guy they really need right now is Mike Pennel.
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