Chiefs' Defense Continues to Evolve With a Chip On Their Shoulder

While the Kansas City Chiefs offense struggled to put touchdowns on the board in a 43-16 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, the defense continued its standard.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit capitalized off turnovers and third-down stops and allowed the Broncos to visit the red zone just twice, even though they dominated in time of possession.

According to safety Tyrann Mathieu, the Week 7 win was another step towards redeveloping a mantra the unit carried a year ago.

"This is a new season and I think you have to build your way to championship tone, championship swagger,” Mathieu said. “I think the last two games that we’ve been able to put together, I do feel us beginning to tap into that mantra, to that attitude, to that standard.”

The Chiefs’ defense garnered four turnovers on the day. Mathieu recorded one of the takeaways, intercepting a pass from Broncos quarterback Drew Lock targeted for wide receiver Kenny Bell in the fourth quarter.

We can watch Landlord juke all day 🍯🦡

📺: #KCvsDEN on CBS pic.twitter.com/hhHKW5ed5d
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 25, 2020

Two arrived by fumble recoveries from defensive end Frank Clark and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton and a third came from a pick-six by safety Daniel Sorensen.

The offense proceeded to score following Clark’s fumble recovery and Mathieu’s interception, helping the Chiefs to victory.

“I think [the defense] obviously having a chip on our shoulder, not necessarily wanting to be the little brother but wanting to be the reason, or be a part of the reason, why the Kansas City Chiefs are a great team,” Mathieu said. “We’re still working towards that, we’re still building towards that, but I think any time you have a performance like this to where you step up as a defense, I think that sends confidence through the whole locker room that each unit can trust each other, each unit can feed off each other and grow off each other. “