Chiefs' Pass Rush Hits Lowest Pressure Rate Since 2012 in Broncos Loss

The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season. Sunday's loss to Denver exposed just how serious the problem has become.

Kansas City pressured Broncos quarterback Bo Nix on only two of his 34 dropbacks in a 28-24 defeat, according to ESPN Research.

That 6% pressure rate was the Chiefs' lowest in a game since Week 8 of the 2012 season.

It was also the lowest pressure rate recorded by any NFL team in a game since Week 5 of the 2024 season.

The numbers represented a dramatic reversal from Kansas City's first meeting with the Denver Broncos in Week 1, when the Chiefs pressured Nix on 48.5% of his dropbacks.

As Arrowhead Pride reported, Kansas City managed to disrupt several passing attempts Sunday without consistently getting to the quarterback.

Defensive end George Karlaftis batted down three passes, while rookie R. Mason Thomas and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga each deflected another.

But Karlaftis was the only Chiefs defensive lineman credited with a quarterback hit.

Defensive tackle Chris Jones acknowledged the unit's struggles after the game.

"We blocked a couple balls, but I don't think we got him down today, and I put that on the defensive line," Jones said.

"One-on-one, we have to win on one-on-ones."

The lack of pressure became particularly costly in the fourth quarter.

Kansas City entered the final period leading 24-13, but Denver scored touchdowns on both of its fourth-quarter possessions to complete the comeback.

Nix finished 20 of 32 for 222 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.

The Broncos also took advantage of designed rollouts, with Nix completing five of seven passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns on those plays, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

Kansas City's inability to consistently disrupt quarterbacks has been an ongoing concern.

The Chiefs entered Sunday's game with just nine sacks through their first six contests, putting additional pressure on a defense that has otherwise shown an ability to limit opposing offenses.

The defeat dropped Kansas City to 5-2, behind Denver at 6-2 in the AFC West.

With the Las Vegas Raiders also competing in the division, the Chiefs have little room for continued defensive inconsistency.

Jones and his teammates now face the challenge of turning occasional disruption into sustained pressure before the problem costs Kansas City another close game.