Chiefs defense ruling the day in Super Bowl defense
Since Patrick Mahomes took over as starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018, the team has been defined by a dynamic offense. This season, however, the defense has been carrying the reigning Super Bowl champs in their 7-2 start.
"The Chiefs defense has caught up to its offensive counterpart," wrote Yahoo Sports NFL reporter Charles Robinson. "And when the generational quarterback needs to be carried for a few Sundays — or maybe even through February — Kansas City has put the unit together to make it happen."
In a 21-14 win over the Miami Dolphins in Germany, the Chiefs defense held Miami to 292 yards, its second-lowest figure this season, and the D got in on the scoring itself. Kansas City recovered a fumble that safety Bryan Cook returned it for a 59-yard TD, which gave the Chiefs a 21-0 lead with 33 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
The Dolphins lead the NFL in points (31.4) and yards per game (435.3), so the dominant performance shows the Kansas City defense is one of the best in the league.
"I can probably tell you, halfway through the season, this is the best defense I've ever played with," Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said following the victory, per NFL.com. "They come up in huge moments, man. Honestly, they've been saving us in a lot of situations."
The Chiefs are 12th in the league in points scored (23.1). Over the past four games, however, the unit backtracked, averaging 20 points per game, thanks in part to an inexperienced receiving corps that's hindered Mahomes. The two-time league MVP has thrown eight interceptions, tied for second most in the league.
Thankfully for K.C., the defense is second in the NFL in points allowed per game (15.9), trailing only the Baltimore Ravens (13.8). If the defense keeps excelling, it will take the pressure off the Chiefs offense and could help the team capture its third Super Bowl title in five years.
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