Key Takeaways:
– Mike Pennel, a significant figure in the Kansas City Chiefs defense, may be reserved on the practice squad to stay in optimal condition for the playoffs.
– Tackling the rushing assault issue, Pennel proved his worth in the Super Bowl season, although his contribution often went unnoticed on the stat sheet.
– The Chiefs’ management might again use load management strategy to keep Pennel fresh.
– A mixed idea comes out from reporters on whether Pennel is considered over Derrick Nnadi.
– The rookie, Fabien Lovett, needs to be watched out for in the training camp.
The Veteran Defensive Tackle’s Role
The 33-year-old Mike Pennel plays a crucial role in the Kansas City Chiefs’ spectacular streak, showing no coincidence in their 6-1 record when he was part of the team, including the memorable 4-0 Super Bowl journey. He’s been essential to freezing the powerful rushing onslaught, an issue the Chiefs struggled with in recent seasons.
Due to his age and potential to tire out, Pennel was rarely overused, participating in less than 35% of snaps when playing. Except for the Super Bowl and the divisional round against the Buffalo Bills, he played over 50% of snaps.
Load Management Strategy for Pennel
After signing Pennel in October, Kansas City resorted to a load management strategy. He was kept on the practice squad until December, saving him for later in the season. KC may reload this strategy in 2024, believes Chiefs Digest’s Matt Derrick.
Derrick expresses that Pennel likes it in KC and doesn’t want to go elsewhere. He suggests that keeping Pennel on the practice squad, unprotected due to his vested veteran status, might be the best strategy. This would keep him fresh for elevating him to the 53-man team between November and the playoffs.
Chiefs’ Clever Moves with Vested Veterans
It wouldn’t be the Chiefs’ first time if they made a deal with Pennel to start the season on the practice squad. The successful organization once used the vested veteran rules smartly, cutting contributors to re-sign them and shift the prospects to injured reserve.
Defensive Line Room Up For Grabs
The Pennel-related topics were discussed among Derrick and Nick Jacobs of KSHB41. They named Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Mike Danna, and Tershawn Wharton as roster locks. However, they were divided on choosing between Pennel and Derrick Nnadi.
Charles Omenihu, recovering from a torn ACL, was also considered for the list of the defense line’s top players. Derrick Nnadi is bouncing back from an arm injury, while BJ Thompson’s health is unpredicted after encountering a scary seizure during a training session.
Amid the uncertainty, rookies like Fabien Lovett and Alex Gubner promise to make the roster battle more interesting. Lovett, especially, has drawn Jacobs’ attention. The rookie needs to be given a chance to practice with pads for a fair evaluation, Jacobs suggested.
In the hopeful summer roster battle, Pennel’s unique situation from other players would make it even more thrilling when it comes to roster cuts.