Defensive Line: I really like Chris Jones. I also like Frank Clark. They’re the two guys I feel that make this Chiefs defense go. I’ll say this. The Chiefs don’t win that Super Bowl last year if Chris doesn’t play. That’s how key of a piece he is to the Kansas City defensive front. With Tampa Bay, they have some dominant guys up front as well. They have been one of the better defensive fronts in football. With Jason Pierre-Paul, Vita Vea, William Gholston and Ndamukong Suh, good luck trying to get some push on them. All four of those guys can make life miserable for your offense.
Advantage: Buccaneers
Linebackers: The Chiefs linebackers are able to float around in space because of the attention that Chris Jones and Frank Clark command. That’s what happens when you command double or triple teams. Darius Harris, Damien Wilson and Anthony Hitchens are nice pieces to try and cover the flat. On Tampa Bay, they have one of the best groups of linebackers in the NFL. Lavonta David, Shaq Barrett and Devin White are difference makers, especially Devin who’s their best defensive player. They’re quick, can blitz and rush the passer consistently when they have the look.
Advantage: Buccaneers
Secondary: This is where the advantage can go either way. One of my favorite players to watch this season has been Antoine Winfield Jr. I always say there’s a guy on the defense who’s an enforcer. That one guy who can lay the hard hit and make people think twice about going over the middle. The one thing that concerns me is the Bucs corners and how they benefit from a pass rush up front. They don’t rush the passer, they’ll struggle. The Chiefs secondary was at their best in the AFC Title game against Buffalo. They did a great job of keeping Stefon Diggs in check. However, the Chiefs have one guy that the Bucs don’t. Tyrann Mathieu. He’s such a difference maker for the back end of this Kansas City secondary and he’s the one guy you must circle in on.
Advantage: Chiefs
