Kansas
Could Defensive Changes Be on the Horizon for the Kansas City Chiefs?
The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ protection is one a crew can win with, not win due to, and it has been like that for a number of years now. Kansas Metropolis has had a below-average protection for all 4 years beneath defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The unit performed nicely for the 2 months main as much as Tremendous Bowl LIV however exterior of that, it has all the time been extra promise than manufacturing. The Chiefs could very nicely go on to win the Tremendous Bowl with this present group however whatever the finish outcome, it is time for them to make a drastic change on that aspect of the ball.
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
DVOA |
14 (-2.6%) |
22 (4.9%) |
24 (4.5%) |
25 (5.9%) |
EPA/Play |
18 (0.002) |
19 (0.065) |
23 (0.038) |
20 (0.033) |
Factors per Drive |
12 (1.85) |
13 (2.13) |
19 (2.14) |
24 (2.27) |
third Down Share |
11 (37.1%) |
18 (41.0%) |
18 (40.2%) |
20 (40.0%) |
Purple Zone Share |
9 (50.9%) |
32 (76.6%) |
16 (57.1%) |
32 (68.2%) |
The desk above reveals the Chiefs’ defensive ranks in sure classes since Spagnuolo took over in 2019. The primary yr beneath Spags was their finest as a unit, far and away. They completed within the prime half in factors per drive allowed, third-down proportion, crimson zone proportion and DVOA. DVOA is a stat that “compares a crew’s efficiency to a league baseline primarily based on state of affairs in an effort to decide worth over common,” as outlined by Soccer Outsiders.
There was a story floating round that as a result of the protection has so many younger gamers, it does not replicate on Spagnuolo. As a substitute, it is simply that the protection is just too younger proper now. This could not be extra flawed. Outdoors of Chris Jones, one of the best a part of the protection has been these younger gamers, particularly at cornerback.
Trent McDuffie seems to be like a star within the making and the opposite two, Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson, are enjoying at a stable stage. If the argument is that Spagnuolo does not have sufficient vets, flip to the Chiefs’ defenses from 2019-2021. The 2019-2021 defenses primarily had the identical core gamers crammed with veterans, and their numbers declined yearly.
The reality is that Spagnuolo’s defensive type is now not constructed to play within the present NFL. It has nothing to do with the age of the participant and all to do with the kind of participant Spagnuolo prefers.
Listed here are the DVOA rankings of all over the place Steve Spagnuolo has labored because the defensive coordinator or head coach:
- Giants DC 2007 – 14
- Giants DC 2008 – 8
- Rams HC 2009 – 31
- Rams HC 2010 – 15
- Rams HC 2011 – 17
- Saints DC 2012 – 27
- Giants DC 2015 – 27
- Giants DC 2016 – 3
- Giants DC 2017 – 25
Spagnuolo had his most success earlier than the 2015 season. Since then, the NFL recreation has turn into extra unfold out and customarily faster. Usually, Spagnuolo has most well-liked greater gamers on protection, particularly on the defensive position. The oldsters on the KCSN Laboratory have researched these preferences and concluded that there are three thresholds that Spagnuolo usually targets when in search of a defensive finish:
- Peak – 6’3″ or taller
- Weight – 260 kilos or extra
- Arm Size – 33″ or longer
The type of play of those gamers is often energy rushers who’re sturdy towards the run however battle to bend the nook. The Chiefs battle to get to the quarterback towards offenses with cell quarterbacks. The larger, typical energy rusher has issue catching as much as the athletic quarterbacks. These quarterbacks can evade the Chiefs’ rush, placing extra strain on the protection’s again finish.
Spagnuolo hasn’t and is not going to alter his philosophy on the kind of gamers he likes. If the Chiefs need a protection constructed to cease the NFL’s fashionable offense, it is time to discover discovering a special defensive coordinator for 2023. A altering of defensive coordinators would additionally put the highlight on common supervisor Brett Veach.
Veach has been enhancing all through his tenure with the Chiefs, however a brand new coordinator would technically be the third one beneath his watch with none prime defenses stemming from the prior two. He must proceed to draft good gamers and discover a method to construct a powerful protection so the strain is not all the time on Patrick Mahomes and the offense to win video games and championships.
Learn Extra: Chiefs Shouldn’t Go After Odell Beckham Jr. This Season
Kansas
2 arrested after stolen vehicle leads Kansas City Police on high-speed chase
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Two men who led police on a high-speed chase through Kansas City in a stolen vehicle have been charged in connection to another stolen vehicle.
Jackson County, Missouri, Circuit Court records indicate that Trevon Perkins, 27, and Demont M. Vandunk, have been charged in connection to the armed robbery of a Corvette from a Kansas City detailer and a high-speed chase that followed.
A probable cause statement filed by the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department revealed that just after 5 p.m. on Dec. 20, emergency crews were called to a local parking lot with reports of an armed robbery. When they arrived, they found a local detailer who reported he had been working on a Corvette when it was stolen.
The victim told law enforcement officials that two men, later identified as Perkins and Vandunk, drove up in a black 2018 Camaro before they threatened to shoot him as they took his wallet, keys and belongings.
Investigators noted that Vandunk left the scene in the blue 2023 Corvette while Perkins returned to the Camaro and sped off. Later that night, the Camaro was spotted near E. 67th and Monroe Ave. However, when law enforcement officials attempted to pull the driver – Vandunk – over, he attempted to speed off and started a chase.
Law enforcement officials said they followed Vandunk and Perkins, who was in the passenger seat, down Meyer to Swope Pkwy. and onto Cleveland Ave. as they reached speeds of more than 100 mph. Vandunk lost control of the Camaro before it crashed into another vehicle near 40th and Cleveland.
KCPD said Vandunk and Perkins attempted to run but were quickly taken into custody. During the investigation, it was found that the Camaro had also been stolen out of Kansas City, Kansas. All of the property stolen in the earlier robbery was found and seized.
Vandunk was charged with accessory to robbery, armed criminal action and aggravated fleeing a stop. Perkins was charged with accessory to robbery and armed criminal action as a result. If convicted both could face up to life in prison.
As of Friday, Dec. 27, Perkins remains behind bars on a $75,000 bond. A bond review hearing has been scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, with a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. on Jan. 22.
Vandunk remains behind bars on a $75,000 bond as well. A bond review hearing for him has been set for 10 a.m. on Tuesday with a preliminary hearing also at 2 p.m. on Jan. 22. No further information has been released.
Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Titans Could Land Chiefs Star Defender
The Tennessee Titans spent a whole lot of money last offseason, addressing both sides of the ball in a free-agent frenzy.
One of the Titans’ signees was linebacker Kenneth Murray, who was viewed as a rather questionable addition from the start.
Well, now here we are in late 2024, and the Murray acquisition is largely considered a disaster.
As a result, Tennessee could stand to add another inside linebacker heading into the offseason, so why not pursue Kansas City Chiefs star Nick Bolton?
Bolton is one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL and has registered 106 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, a couple of fumble recoveries and six passes defended this season.
However, due to the Chiefs’ rather tenuous financial situation, it may prove difficult for Kansas City to bring the experienced defender back into the fold.
That opens the door for the Titans, who are set to enter free agency with solid cap room and can certainly afford to add Bolton.
Remember: inside linebackers are no longer valued like they once were, so they don’t typically make big money on the open market. That means Tennessee may be able to land Bolton on a palatable multi-year deal, and that would be a significant boon to the Titans’ defense.
Bolton joined the professional ranks as a second-round pick of the Chiefs in 2021 and immediately established himself as a force, posting 112 tackles during his rookie campaign.
The following year, the 24-year-old was even better, racking up 180 tackles, a pair of sacks and two interceptions.
Bolton has also been a member of two Super Bowl-winning Kansas City squads, so he brings ample big-game experience to the table.
While offense is certainly a bigger issue for Tennessee, it needs to address its defense, as well, and Bolton would represent a major get.
Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
Kansas
'We'll prevail again this year': Kansas City illuminates City Hall Menorah, celebrating Hanukkah
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas alongside local Jewish leaders Thursday night illuminated the City Hall Menorah to celebrate Hanukkah.
“We are reminded that we all have beloved traditions and even share cultural themes and values in common,” said Neta Meltzer, the interim executive director for the American Jewish Committee. “We all share this community and each of our thriving is tied to, and dependent on the thriving of others.”
Across the globe, 15.7 million Jews are celebrating Hanukkah, known as the “Festival of Lights.” In Hebrew, Hanukkah translates to “dedication.” The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
In 164 BC, a group of Jewish fighters, Maccabees, at the command of Judah of Maccabees engaged in battle with the Greek army, which captured the city of Jerusalem in 200 BC.
Judah and his fighters took back the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. They attempted to re-light their menorah, a then oil-based candelabra, used in Jewish worship.
The fighters found there was only enough oil to hold light for one day. In a miracle, the menorah remained lit for eight days.
Jews commemorate ancestral efforts in the annual Hanukkah holiday, celebrating freedom from injustice.
“The Jews have absolutely become a resilient people. Certainly back in the times of Hanukkah but so many different times during our history,” explained Jay Lewis, the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. “Now today and in the post-October 7th world, there is rising anti-semitism. Our resilience gets tested again and Hanukkah is a good reminder we are resilient, we are a strong people, and we prevailed many times and we’ll prevail again this year.”
The 2024 Menorah Lighting celebration at Kansas City’s City Hall has only taken place a handful of times. This year, it symbolizes the Jewish community’s presence in the Metro.
“We started it to make sure everybody knew they were welcome, from all faith communities in Kansas City. But certainly for our Jewish sisters and brothers, that you knew you always have a home here at City Hall,” Mayor Lucas told those in attendance.
For the first time since 2005, the first night of Hanukkah fell on Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Since 1900, the holiday’s first night has fallen on Christmas five times: 1910, 1921, 1959, 2005, and now 2024.
Judaism follows the 354-day-long lunar calendar, following the length of time it takes for the moon to revolve around the sun.
Hanukkah lasts eight nights. The shorter lunar calendar means each year, the holiday starts 11 days earlier and can begin as early as Thanksgiving.
“It’s a beautiful metaphor that Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are all right here at the same time. They’re all about light, warmth, and bringing more light into the world. The Jewish community feels totally integrated in the Kansas City Community,” added Lewis. “It’s not this way in every city. In Kansas City, we have multiple religions and cultures that can all be intertwined the way Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah are. The fact we can be inside City Hall having this kind of celebration, I don’t think it gets any better than that.”
Lewis says Jewish communities have remained safe in history during times of strife through their healthy relationship with elected officials and the government.
Thursday night’s display offered Marcee Levin, an Overland Park native, the chance to become more connected in her hometown.
“I just moved back home after being gone for 40 years,” Levin said. “This ceremony shows strength. Having city hall sponsor this shows the Jewish community in Kansas City is so strong and tight-knit.”
The first night of Hanukkah was Dec. 25 and the final night is Jan. 2. The 12-foot blue menorah located outside City Hall will illuminate a new candle each night of Hanukkah at 7 p.m.
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KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa covers Miami County in Kansas and Cass County in Missouri. Share your story idea with Ryan.
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