This has been a Kansas City Chiefs season like very few before it.
For the first time in Patrick Mahomes’ career, the Chiefs are off to an undefeated start, improving to 6-0 after dismantling the banged up and woebegone San Francisco 49ers on Sunday afternoon, 28-18, in a game that never appeared even quite that competitive.
However, Mahomes also is tied for the league-lead in interceptions with Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, with eight.
One clear truth has emerged, it is that dating back to last season, the Chiefs have evolved into a Super Bowl contender that wins on the back of coordinator Steve Spagunolo’s dominant defense.
“Kansas City’s defense is elite,” a veteran NFL scout tells me. “Which allows their offense to be mid. They’re finding different ways to win every single week, because they are relying on their defense.”
The Chiefs’ defense swarms to the football, is relentless against the run, and has developed a propensity for creating timely turnovers over the past two seasons, as Mahomes and the offense have needed to manufacture wins be it due to injuries or ineffective play by a revolving door of a receiving corps around the three-time Super Bowl winning quarterback.
So far this season, Kansas City ranks tenth in total defense, but are fourth against the run while holding opponents to a meager 90.5 rushing yards per game, and only four teams have been stingier than the Chiefs who are allowing just 17.2 points per game.
If Kansas City is going to return to the Super Bowl, and hoist a historic third consecutive Lombardi Trophy, the defense may need to be the catalyst. Fortunately for Kansas City, Spagnuolo’s troops have developed a reputation for being more than up to the task.
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