We already have an idea that the Chiefs’ offense is preparing for a rapid rise to potential greatness. In other words, Mahomes and his team are ready to light up the scoreboard. On defense, this team boasts a roster full of playmakers and features the best defensive coordinator in the NFL. However, they might not be the top unit in the division.
The Kansas City Chiefs are lucky to have Head Coach Andy Reid managing the offense and Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo handling the defense. Spags acts as a second head coach, and luckily, NFL owners don’t see him that way – at least for now.
Spags is a finely tuned machine that creates defensive schemes to confuse opposing quarterbacks. Although his team might not rack up high sack numbers, it operates on multiple levels simultaneously, creating a perfect storm of chaos.
With Chris Jones leading the pass rush upfront, Nick Bolton orchestrating the linebackers, and Trent McDuffie in the secondary, they set the pace of play. Jones is the top interior defensive lineman in the NFL. Bolton directs the defense from the middle of the field, and McDuffie is their most skilled cornerback.
Yet, others like George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, Leo Chenal, Jaylen Watson, and Jaden Hicks can make just as many plays as the superstars on this defense. Combine that with a stellar rookie draft class, some experienced veterans, and everyone understands their role.
Still, questions remain about this defense, as the balance of power in the AFC West continues to shift in favor of the Chiefs. Kansas City needs to improve its defensive performance.
Setting aside Spagnuolo’s talent on the field, he’s also a teacher. With roster changes constantly happening, Spags will need to bring in at least eight new defenders to his defense. That won’t be easy, but it’s necessary if the Chiefs’ defense wants to maintain their recent streak of success.
Despite their Super Bowl LIX performance, KC’s defense was clutch last season in many close games during the regular season and playoffs. However, they might not be the best defense in the division. That title goes to the Denver Broncos, who are stacked at every position.
The Chiefs remain the team to beat in the AFC West. However, the talent level is much higher this season, so winning their 10th straight division title isn’t guaranteed. Still, if the offense improves, the defense must be as efficient and opportunistic as it was in 2024.
It’s a fine line when building a championship roster. Usually, teams can achieve this with a potent offense or an elite defense. Finding both in the salary cap era is rare. Additionally, maintaining coaching consistency when keeping staff together year after year is nearly impossible.
That’s precisely what we have in Kansas City. Still, before Spags arrived, the Chiefs’ defense was a mess. He has transformed the culture, his staff, and the expectations of his players, who trust his every decision on the field.
It’s their job to carry out his wild blitz packages, his press coverage, and his aggressive attitude in attacking some of the best quarterbacks in the game.
Spags has a considerable advantage coaching the Chiefs’ defense, given Mahomes’ ability to run the show and score 30 points per game, which provides Spags with the flexibility to adapt to the game’s flow. That’s because he’s a master at adjusting a game plan during the game itself.
No defensive coordinator in the NFL makes more adjustments at the height of battle like Spags. So much so that he creates defensive leverage, and with his defenses so complex, it takes the best effort of the team he’s facing to execute their offense flawlessly.
In other words, they must be perfect because if not, Spags will disrupt that flow from one series to the next.
As with the offense, this might be the best defense Spags has coached in Kansas City. The mix of Super Bowl Champion defenders, free agents, and productive draft picks gives Spags confidence that he can maximize his players’ potential.
That means you can expect the Chiefs to be the team to beat in the AFC.
