The Chiefs‘ defense has emerged as one of the premier units in the league this season. No room for qualifiers or claims of benefitting only to support the offense in the playoffs. They currently rank eighth in success rate and third in expected points added per drive. Moreover, they are tied for second in total sacks and tied for third in forced fumbles. This is the kind of defense that demands attention, one that opponents must prepare for and scheme around—adding an extra layer of concern to an already formidable challenge presented by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense.
Under the tenure of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs previously boasted an average defense, adequate enough to navigate the postseason but not influential over a sustained period. However, this season, there has been a significant leap forward. While other teams in the league have also seen defensive improvements, the Chiefs’ progress stands out as particularly remarkable. The Ravens are in the second year under Mike Macdonald, and the Browns are adjusting to their first year with Jim Schwartz.
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In their fifth season under Spags, the Chiefs boast standout players like Chris Jones, a veteran who has been with the Chiefs throughout his career. But who else shines on the Chiefs’ defense? While the Ravens have Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton, and the Browns have Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, the Chiefs seem to lack similar household defensive names. With a tendency to not acquire top draft picks or splurge on free agency, many of the players on their defense remain relatively unknown or underappreciated. However, the story of the Chiefs’ defensive resurgence begins with their personnel, emphasizing not only their quality but also their recent acquisition.
Let’s take a closer look at the players on the Chiefs’ defense who saw at least 10 snaps in the recent game against the Dolphins. Those acquired in the past two offseasons are highlighted.
It’s worth noting that virtually the entire defense falls into this category. With the exception of L’Jarius Sneed, every starting member of the secondary joined the team in 2022. First-round pick Trent McDuffie has emerged as one of the NFL’s most promising young talents, while second-round pick Bryan Cook has made significant strides in his sophomore season after a somewhat inconsistent rookie year. Additionally, the impact of veteran signee Justin Reid has been comparable to that of other high-priced safeties in the league, despite his more modest contract.
The Chiefs’ emphasis on rejuvenating their secondary has paid off handsomely. They made strategic decisions to let go of players like Tyrann Mathieu and Daniel Sorensen, replacing them with promising draft picks. This shift has resulted in the Chiefs fielding the youngest defense in the league.
The youth on the team has yet to fully exhibit its impact, which might become more apparent in the coming seasons. The Chiefs’ deliberate recruitment strategy, centered on acquiring players tailored to fit Spagnuolo’s defensive system, is a testament to their success.
In Spagnuolo’s system, defensive backs are required to excel at two key aspects: tackling and all-around coverage skills. Press coverage is utilized frequently, with players often transitioning from the line of scrimmage to deep zones, adding a layer of complexity to their roles.
For instance, in a recent play against the Jets on third down, the Chiefs’ defensive backfield executed an intricate defensive strategy. The coordinated effort involved various players transitioning between coverage and blitzing roles, resulting in a successful defensive stand.
The Chiefs’ defensive approach presents an array of challenges for opposing offenses. This type of intricate, multifaceted defensive strategy is the aspiration of many defensive coordinators when they join a new team, emphasizing adaptability and aggressiveness.
To execute this defensive strategy effectively, the Chiefs rely on players like Reid, McDuffie, and Cook, all acquired in 2022, highlighting the importance of recent acquisitions in their defensive success.
The defensive line, another crucial component of the Chiefs’ formidable defense, functions with slightly different demands, placing less emphasis on tackling due to the reduced frequency of open-field play. Notwithstanding, the performances of players like Karlaftis and Omenihu this season have been instrumental in the team’s success. Spagnuolo’s willingness to utilize his defensive linemen in unconventional ways has contributed to the unit’s effectiveness.
For example, Karlaftis occasionally assumes a defensive tackle role to facilitate Jones’ movement to defensive end, showcasing the Chiefs’ versatility in their defensive lineup.
The presence of Jones, a prominent figure, often overshadows the contributions of other defensive linemen. Omenihu, Karlaftis, and Danna, however, have all played crucial roles, delivering their best performances to date.
The Chiefs’ wealth of pass-rushing talent surrounding Jones places additional pressure on opposing offenses, as the Chiefs’ defensive schemes become increasingly unpredictable. Even the addition of rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who has yet to fully integrate into the team, bodes well for the unit’s future.
The depth and versatility of the defensive line stand as a testament to the Chiefs’ successful scouting and acquisition strategy. With many reliable defensive contributors acquired from draft picks outside the top 20 and prudent free agent signings, the Chiefs are now reaping the benefits of their foresight and planning.
Despite the potential regression that might occur due to injuries and the inherent risks associated with their aggressive defensive style, the Chiefs’ current defensive prowess appears sustainable. While the looming contract situation of Chris Jones and other key players presents challenges, the abundance of impactful and cost-effective young talent on the defense reinforces the idea that the Chiefs’ recent defensive success is not an anomaly but rather a new norm and an expectation.
