Historical comparisons show how bad Kansas City Chiefs defense has been this season
Through the first five games of the 2021 season, the Chiefs defense is on pace to shatter a record.
But it’s not a good thing.
The Chiefs are allowing 7.07 yards per play, and Stathead’s records show that’s nearly a half-yard worse than the 2015 New Orleans Saints. They’re currently the record-holder for most yards allowed per play (6.64) in a full season.
Drew Brees had 4,870 passing yards in 15 games that season for the Saints, who finished with a 7-9 record. New Orleans allowed 30 or more points in seven games in 2015.
That’s just one bad historical comparison for the Chiefs defense.
Brandon Kiley of 101 ESPN in St. Louis, noted Chiefs opponents are scoring 3.3 points per drive. The last team to score points at that rate: the 2007 Patriots, who finished the regular season with a 16-0 record.
The Chiefs are essentially turning opposing offenses into the 2000 St. Louis Rams, who are known as the “Greatest Show on Turf” and are considered one of the best offensive teams in NFL history.
ESPN producer Paul Hembekides shared this:
This may not be a surprise, but the Chiefs have allowed the most points through the first five games of any season in Chiefs history as Stathead noted.
While it’s not a historic comparison, Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson said Chiefs opponents have scored a touchdown on 41.7% of their drives. If that seems high, it is. The next highest team is allowed a TD on 33.3% of drives.
Another ugly statistic also involves the offense. Fansided’s Matt Verderame noted the Chiefs have a minus-11 turnover margin over the last 13 quarters.
This story was originally published October 12, 2021 at 12:00 PM.
