Skip to main content

Lack of turnovers an issue for Chiefs' defense

A whole lot has changed for the Kansas City Chiefs in a year.

The offensive line struggles have been under the microscope all year, but another reason for the flip from the Chiefs' fast start in 2013 to their 0-2 beginning in 2014 has been a defense that can't create turnovers.

Last season, defensive coordinator Bob Sutton's unit feasted off turnovers, earning 36 takeaways for a team with an NFL-best plus-18 turnover differential.

This year, the Chiefs have yet to generate a turnover.

"It's sad," Sutton said, per The Kansas City Star. "We talk to our players all the time about you just have to stay the course and just keep going. Those things happen. I'm not sure why and when they happen but you've got to keep flying to the ball and when your opportunity comes you want to be there whether the ball is tipped, the ball is on the ground."

Part of the problem is a remade secondary with a lack of playmakers. Another issue has been a defense decimated by injuries. With safety Eric Berry out this week due to an ankle injury, Sutton's defense will be without another ballhawk Sunday against Ryan Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins.

Turnovers are fluky, and the Chiefs got a lot of fortuitous bounces early last season. But the disparity is indicative of how quickly things have changed in Kansas City in just one calendar year.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps the Falcons' lopsided win over the Bucs and previews every other game in Week 3.