July 26, 2014; St. Joseph, MO; Chiefs LB Josh Martin (95) during training camp. Credit: Matt Derrick, ChiefsSpin.com.
Publisher’s note: Story written for The Associated Press
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs offered a preview during recent 11-on-11 training camp practices of what could be in store for unsuspecting quarterbacks this season.
Pro Bowl linebackers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston, first-round draft pick Dee Ford and fellow pass-rusher Josh Martin all trotted onto the field at the same time, leaving defensive tackle Dontari Poe as the lone down lineman in a unique scheme designed to create pressure.
Elsewhere in the NFL, similar personnel groups are known as “NASCAR packages” — the idea is that they overwhelm the opposing offense with their speed.
“We call it the ‘dog front,'” Hali said. “A bunch of dogs going after (the quarterback).”
Hali and Houston are known commodities, combining for 22 sacks despite injury issues last season. Ford was expected to be a part of the sub package. But Martin’s presence is intriguing considering he’s not yet well known.
That could change in the Chiefs’ “dog front.”
