Newest KC Chief Melvin Ingram proves he’s ‘nice addition’ in just 29 snaps vs. Packers
A day after Sunday’s 13-7 win over the Green Bay Packers, Chiefs coach Andy Reid complimented his team’s defensive performance.
He mentioned the defensive line’s ability to apply consistent pressure on Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who was sacked once and hit seven times, and the collective effort to contain the Packers’ dangerous backfield.
Then, the Kansas City coach zeroed in outside linebacker/defensive end Melvin Ingram, whom the Chiefs traded for earlier last week.
“Getting 24 in there I think helped,” Reid said. “I mean, that’s a nice addition. You can add a Pro Bowl-caliber player on the defensive line I think surely can’t hurt, right?”
The Chiefs used Ingram in mostly nickel situations against the Packers, and he finished the game seeing action on 29 plays, which represented 46% of the team’s defensive snaps.
While he officially recorded only a single assist in the game, Ingram’s impact on the field went beyond the box score ... and he made his presence felt on his first play of the game during the first quarter.
Ingram lined up at left defensive end with the Packers facing a third-and-6. At the snap of the ball, Ingram pushed Packers right tackle Billy Turner into the backfield, which effectively collapsed the pocket, and applied pressure on Love, who hurriedly threw an incomplete pass.
Ingram later alternated between right and left defensive end with Frank Clark, while the Chiefs mostly utilized Chris Jones at defensive tackle alongside Jarran Reed.
Whether the Chiefs decide to use the 32-year-old Ingram in their starting lineup or in more of a rotational role based on game situations, the three-time Pro Bowler showed on Sunday that he’s as good as advertised.
“He came here to play and that’s what he wanted to do, so first game he gets 29 snaps,” Reid said. “I can’t tell you what he gets the next time, but he’s been a starter in this league.
“As long as he’s playing a lot, I think that’s what he wants to do. He’s getting in that twilight part of his career, but he still can play. He knows all that, but he loves playing and we got a taste of that (Sunday). We got a chance to see it.”
Ingram’s edge-rush ability is a welcome addition to a Chiefs defense that’s appearing to turn a corner in recent weeks.
“Having Melvin added to the bunch is only going to help us out in the long run,” defensive end Frank Clark said after Sunday’s game. “He does some special things. Some of the things everyone gets to see, here with the Chiefs. The way he is going to be utilized in the future is only going to be a benefit.”
This story was originally published November 8, 2021 at 2:02 PM with the headline "Newest KC Chief Melvin Ingram proves he’s ‘nice addition’ in just 29 snaps vs. Packers."
