Chiefs News: Chris Jones explains why Nick Bolton is a “dog.”

The Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 4 with a 3-0 record. Their recent win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3 could have gone either way, but the Chiefs defense came up big with a fourth down stop.

Linebacker Nick Bolton read the play, darted through a gap and made the tackle that secured the win. It was Bolton’s seventh tackle that resulted in a negative EPA (Expected Points Added) – or defensive stop – of the game. That led all defenders between both teams.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo admired his middle linebacker’s moment during his press conference Thursday.

“It was great to see Nick Bolton make that play,” Spagnuolo said. “He gutted it, his back gave him trouble and he went back in.”

That was perhaps the most impressive part of the winning tackle: Bolton, who normally plays 100% of the defense’s snaps, was sidelined for 10 snaps in Atlanta because he appeared to have back pain. He refused to stay out of the game, and that wasn’t lost on his teammates.

“He’s a dog,” defensive tackle Chris Jones told reporters Thursday. “We try not to force him off the field, we try to make sure he makes every play. He’s our playmaker, I think he’s the pillar of our defense.”

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The Chiefs have experience playing without Bolton: He missed eight starts last season due to injury. Linebacker Drue Tranquill stepped in and was given a three-year deal to remain in Kansas City this offseason. Spagnuolo sees the benefit of this particular kind of depth.

“Thank God we have people who can step in when Nick isn’t there and still function the same way,” Spagnuolo admitted. “I think that’s great, we all learned that last year when Drue had to take over. Losing that man in the middle is like losing a quarterback. Even if it’s three games, it can be difficult if you don’t have someone who can go in there and make everyone feel comfortable.”

The Chiefs defense can survive with Bolton off the field, but isn’t as dominant – especially against the run. It’s no coincidence that the Chiefs are shutting down their opponents’ rushing attacks this season: The number one backs are averaging 2.7 yards per carry against Kansas City this season.

Like the last game against the Falcons, Bolton is the finisher on many of these jam-packed rushes.

“He has such great football instincts,” said Spagnuolo Bolton. “He feels things. He studies the game and therefore knows in advance when teams are going to do certain things sometimes. I thought he played great.”

Bolton’s impact on run defense extends into the red zone. The Chiefs rank sixth among NFL teams in EPA/rush allowed in the red zone this season (-0.29). This aspect of defense is always a focus for Spagnuolo.

“The last thing you want in the red zone is to let them run in,” Spags noted. “That’s exactly how we feel… This happens because we play some good teams, but we try to make them throw; Hopefully we can remain stable enough in our reporting.”

The one position the Chiefs seem to be having a hard time holding on to is tight end. No NFL team has allowed more receptions (27) or yards (335) to opposing tight ends. In Week 3, Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts made a 50-yard reception that preceded a touchdown run.

“They had the one big game that will stand out,” Spagnuolo recalled. “We thought we would apply a little more pressure there. I probably should have made a better decision, I made it difficult for (Justin) Reid.”

These plays will happen, especially if the primary receivers can’t get open. The Chiefs have allowed the fifth-fewest receiving yards to wide receivers this season.

“Good quarterbacks are going to find their safety valve guys,” Spagnuolo emphasized. “Sometimes it’s because the other guys are covering so well that he can make it to the tight end.”

“What we would like to eliminate is explosive plays at tight end; If we do that, I don’t think it will look nearly as bad as it looks now.”

That improvement requires better play from linebackers and safeties in space, and Bolton is included in that. However, Week 3 was a reminder of the mental and physical foundation he had laid for the unit. He read and attacked the Falcons’ running game all evening, but gave up in pain.

He truly was a “dog” and will continue to lead the charge for ball carriers in the backfield.