The Kansas City Chiefs travel to Baltimore to face the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game.
Kansas City has one of the best defenses in the league. They rank 2nd in points, 2nd in total yards, 4th in passing, 18th in rushing, and 2nd in sacks.
The Kansas City Chiefs placed their DT on injured reserve.
Derrick Nnadi injured his elbow in the Wild Card round against Miami. He did not practice the week before and missed the Divisional Round against Buffalo. He did not practice this week and they decided to place him on season-ending injured reserve.
Nnadi’s specialty is run defense He appeared in 17 regular season games and started 17. He registered 29 tackles, one for a loss, one quarterback hit, one sack, and one pass deflection.
Option number one:
The first option is Mike Pennel. Pennel started his tenth season as a free agent. Kansas City signed him to their practice squad on October 24. He was elevated in three regular season games, registering four tackles and one for a loss.
Pennel was elevated in the Wild Card and the Divisional Round. He filled in for Nnadi when he got injured against Miami and got the start against Buffalo. He registered six tackles in the two playoff games.
Pennel will likely be elevated tomorrow and could be the starter once again.
Option number two:
The second option is Tershawn Wharton. Wharton is in his fourth year in the NFL. He appeared in 17 regular season games and started one, registering 21 tackles, two for a loss, five quarterback hits, and two sacks. He has three tackles in the two playoff games.
Wharton could start if they decide not to elevate Pennel. Wharton will serve as the backup/rotational piece if they elevate Pennel.
Can Kansas City’s defense stop Baltimore’s elite offense?
Kansas City’s defense will be tested this week against Baltimore’s elite offense led by MVP favorite Lamar Jackson. Baltimore is ranked 4th in points, 6th in total yards, 21st in passing, 1st in rushing, and 16th in sacks.
Last week, Baltimore rushed for 229 yards against the 6th-ranked rushing defense of the Houston Texans.
Will the 4th-ranked run defense of the Kansas City Chiefs be able to stop the best-rushing offense in the NFL?
