Arrowhead Report

Why Chiefs’ Defense Holds Key to Beating the Colts

In this episode of the Kansas City Chiefs Insider Podcast, we break down why the Chiefs' defense holds the key to victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12.
Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) and linebacker Nick Bolton (32) tackle Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the second quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) and linebacker Nick Bolton (32) tackle Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the second quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

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In this episode of the Kansas City Chiefs Insider Podcast, we break down why the Chiefs' defense holds the key to victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12.

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Below is a partial transcript from head coach Andy Reid from Nov 17, following their Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos.

Q: The last time you were 5-5 you went to the postseason. Is that something you draw on for motivation?

REID: “Yeah, we’re not quite as negative as the outside world is here Vahe (Gregorian) (chuckles). We
know what we need to clean up, and we need to do it. But the guys, they get it. Some of these guys have been through some pretty good seasons, and it isn’t like this one’s lost, Vahe. We just got to clean up a few of these things and the urgency level, obviously we got to make sure we take care of that now.”

Q: On conveying to the team that it is one game at a time.

REID: “Yeah, I mentioned that to them after the game actually. What can you do? (What) you can do is
get yourself ready to play Indianapolis. That’s what you can do. Everything else is involved with a crystal ball. You can take care of today and tomorrow and the following day. Let’s start there.”

Q: In the seasons that you were able to turn it around, what traits did you see in those teams?

REID: “Yeah well it was just a little bit what we’re talking about Pete (Sweeney). You’ve got to take care
of the small things and that’s coaches included. Whether it’s volume (or) whether it’s fundamentals, you have to take care of those small things and when I tell you I’m responsible for that, I’m responsible for that and then the players have to do the same thing (and) take care of the small things."

"Why are we having the penalties and then let’s fix that and don’t point to the officials (and) don’t point here or there, take responsibility for it. If it’s fundamentals, if you’re on the back end and you need to plant and drive, why didn’t we do it? Our offensive line, you didn’t step with the right foot. All those things, you control, and you have to take care of those things. Small things but they all add up.”

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Dominic Minchella
DOMINIC MINCHELLA

Dominic Minchella holds a communications degree from Eastern Michigan University. He is a former MLB writer and serves as our Kansas City Chiefs On SI beat writer.