Beefed-up Allen Bailey ready for new starting role

The Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to not offer Tyson Jackson a monster free-agent contract last offseason is leading to an opportunity for Allen Bailey.

Bailey, a four-year defensive end out of Miami (Fla.), is expected to step into a starting role this season for defensive coordinator Bob Sutton.

Seeing more time last season, Bailey feels even more confident with the fresh defensive scheme that Sutton brought in upon being hired last year.

“It’s my second year in the defense so I’m a lot more comfortable with it. It makes it a lot easier,” Bailey said. “Being around the same guys as last year helps.”

Listed at 6-foot-3, 288 pounds, Bailey said he is pushing around 300 pounds since arriving at training camp after beefing up this offseason.

“I feel good out there,” he said. “I’m just trying to stay healthy and get better.”

Bailey will fill in for Jackson, now on a five-year $25 million contract with Atlanta, who provided a consistent threat on the Chiefs’ defensive line. In his five seasons in Kansas City, Jackson averaged 39.8 tackles per year before agreeing to join the Falcons, where former Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli works.

Bailey is coming off a career-best 25 tackles and one sack in 15 games in 2013.


(newspressnow.com)