No secrets are hidden that the 2016 season for the Kansas City Chiefs was one of more entertaining ones (minus the Divisional Round loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers). Starting 2-2 on the season, Kansas City turned up the intensity, and won ten of their final 12 games of the NFL regular season. For example, rookie defensive lineman Chris Jones showed he was a second round steal. Also to note was the unforgettable season they had in the AFC West as they won their division, and received a first round bye in the playoffs. While boasting about last season, unbelievable play of Tyreek Hill’s unforgettable play could not be forgotten. But something that seems to be overshadowed, or easily forgotten perhaps, is the play of third year pro outside linebacker Dee Ford. In 2016, Ford had the year fans have been waiting for, and here is why.
Dee Ford Career Breakdown: 2016 Season
Ford’s 2016 Stats
Entering the third year of Ford’s career, Ford had no reason to be considered a developmental player whatsoever. With five total starts in 2015, along with some sprinkled in playing time in between, Ford’s time to be a reliable player was due. He had two total seasons under his belt of which showed he can play in the NFL with versatility,and youthful enthusiasm.
One of the more eye popping stats from Ford was his increase in starts over just one season. In 2015 Ford completed the season with five starts under his belt, all of which were subpar performances. In 2016 Ford nearly tripled, yes tripled his total number of starts. He ended the season with 14 starts. With those starts he earned, he was able to complete the season with a career high ten sacks and 25 total tackles.
Obviously 2016 was a great year for Ford statistically speaking. In every category on the stat sheet, Ford improved his numbers. This is something that coaches love to see. He was only on his third season, and each year his numbers have improved. What does this mean? Well, Ford will more than likely improve until his career is over. With his young and healthy body, there is nothing stopping him if he stays healthy, knock on wood.
2016 Franchise Role
As mentioned earlier, Ford had a very impressive incline in starts from 2015 to 2016. So not only does this give Ford a chance to play more football, but it gave him a whole new value to the team, as he became a popular competitor for Kansas City. By this time in Ford’s career, he was able to contribute nearly every game.
With fourteen total starts, and 25 total tackles, Ford averaged around two tackles per game. This is not a stat that is jaw-dropping, or unheard of, but it was nice to have another name on the team who strives for contact.
His franchise role changed for the better, as he became more popular around the NFL. All this did was set himself up for success in the upcoming seasons. The team took it slow with Ford, and gave him a chance to adapt to the game, but it payed off. He has been able to play some solid football, and makes Chiefs Kingdom even more excited for the seasons to come.
Ford’s Best Game of 2016
There are two recent games against the Pittsburgh Steelers that Chiefs Kingdom would love to forget. Yuck game number one was a 43-14 loss in the regular season, while the other was double yuck in the playoffs (just wait, this section gets much better). The reason for bringing these disturbing losses up, is because Ford actually had his best game in 2016 against the Steelers in yuck game number one.
There is not much to find positive out of the blowout loss, but if there was one thing, it would be the play of Dee Ford. Ford combined for six total tackles, four solo, and two assists. This was only one tackle shy of tying his career high. Along with his two assists, one was considered a sack. There would be no surprise whatsoever if Ford tops his total number of tackles in one game in the following seasons, because as stated before, all Ford has done is rise, and there is still nothing slowing him down.
Concluding his 2016 Season
It would be easy to say Ford needs to do more for the team, because of how raw he is as a player. But Ford has already done plenty for Kansas City. He attacks the football with no hesitation, he is quick to the quarterback, and sacrifices his body every Sunday to help Kansas City be a solid defensive team. He is not the only name that has potential for the defense of Kansas City, but he has become a name people expect to contribute. It is fun to think about what he has done in the past, and what he is capable of in the future.
What To Expect in 2017
High expectations come to mind when Dee Ford is brought up in Chiefs Kingdom. Because he has lived up to his expectations every single season he has been in the NFL, it seems as if Ford will have another successful season. The fun thing to think about when it comes to Ford is how high is ceiling is. At times it seems as if he lacks fundamentals within his position, but with time to improve, Ford could end up a name Chiefs Kingdom will never forget about.
After Kansas City picked up Ford’s fifth year option, Ford is set to be on the team through 2018. Predicting his stats within next few seasons would be a waste of time, because no one can read the future. But based off of his previous seasons, Ford should have higher numbers if everything goes as planned. Ford has lots up his sleeve in terms of skill, and Ford has next season lined up perfectly to succeed. The sky is the limit for Ford, and Chiefs Kingdom is happy to have him on board. In 2016, Ford had the year fans have been waiting for.
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