Kansas City Chiefs’ Defense Has Been Critical to Early-Season Success
Through the first two weeks of the season, the Kansas City Chiefs' defense has been the catalyst for early-season success. As improbable as it may seem, it hasn’t been head coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a high-flying offensive output so far that we’ve come to know and love in Kansas City. It has been the tough, hard-nosed play across all levels of the defense that has led the way.
In Week 1 when the Chiefs were struggling offensively, they only allowed two touchdowns. That would typically be enough to get a win but there were so many things that went south with the offense — including drops and giving the opponent points as a result — that it was too much to overcome.
In Week 2, the Chiefs welcomed Travis Kelce back to the offense and the defense welcomed back Chris Jones. The presence of both men was felt on the field, but it was Jones who really made the most difference in this game and helped lift up the teammates around him as well. Sure, you can look at the box score for sacks, tackles for loss and such, but it was what the Chiefs did to the Jaguars when they got into the red zone that really stood out. Kansas City didn’t allow a single touchdown, forcing the Jags to kick field goals each time they got close to the end zone.
Sep 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) celebrates after beating the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
It was another effort the Chiefs desperately needed to get their first win on the season. As the offense looks to find some continuity and consistency, the defense has proven itself to be able to help carry its weight and then some. With Jones back up front with young pass rushers on the outside, a core of linebackers that can be mixed and matched evenly throughout the game and a young secondary that continues to make plays, there's a lot of optimism in the air surrounding this defense.
This week, the Chiefs will host the Chicago Bears, a team that has been the worst in the NFL since 2022. They have lost 12 straight games and there has been some strange news surrounding them this past week. Chicago’s defensive coordinator resigned and now their head coach, Matt Eberflus, seems to have taken control of the group. This isn’t your grandfather’s Bears defense; it has been absolutely horrible early in the season. Because of this, the Chiefs should be able to get back on track offensively.
The Chiefs' defense will soon have the challenge of containing a mobile quarterback in Justin Fields. So far this year, Fields has struggled as the Bears' coaching staff has tried to force him into being a pocket passer. Fields shines when he makes plays on the move and utilizes his legs to move the chains. Despite the early-season disaster in Chicago, the Chiefs should still look to use a spy to contain Fields. This will give the pass rushers opportunities to push the pocket and not worry about giving up a big play on the ground.
George Karlaftis was one of my favorite draft picks in the 2022 draft class, and he’s been playing very well early in the season. It would be great to see more of this continued growth from him, as well as big first-year improvements from first-round pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah. The Chiefs really seem to have been hitting on their defensive players in the past few drafts, which is showing at all levels. In a few weeks, they will also get offseason acquisition Charles Omenihu back into the fold on the defensive line for a tough stretch of the schedule later on. Things are shaping up nicely for Steve Spagnuolo's group, and it's still very early in the season.
As always, health will play an important role in keeping things rolling in the right direction. If the Chiefs can stay and avoid injury, their defense can be a top 10 group in the league. This would be the first time the Chiefs have had such a defense with Mahomes and Andy Reid. Imagine the offense clicking late in the season while having a defense that stifles opponents whenever they get into the red zone. Winning back-to-back Super Bowls can go from a dream to a reality and a dynasty would officially come to fruition. That's what is on the line for this team, and they have what it takes to get there.
