Tyrann Mathieu: A Leader the Chiefs Defense Deserves
If you were to ask someone to name a player on the Kansas City Chiefs, about nine out of ten people would more than likely give you "Patrick Mahomes." While he is the undoubted leader of this team and especially the offense, there is a player on the other side of the football that has […]
If you were to ask someone to name a player on the Kansas City Chiefs, about nine out of ten people would more than likely give you "Patrick Mahomes."
While he is the undoubted leader of this team and especially the offense, there is a player on the other side of the football that has emerged as a role-model and become much more vocal.
Tyrann Mathieu, also known as "The Honey Badger," has been having a standout season and his leadership could not have come at a better time.
Tyrann Mathieu Defensive Leader
The eighth-year strong safety out of LSU has accounted for 61 tackles on the season, as well as a career-high six interceptions. His high-caliber play is not going unnoticed, however. Fellow Defensive Back Daniel Sorensen claimed that his play had been elevated by a specific teammate, referring to Mathieu.
“His football intelligence is off the charts. he’s a very cerebral player, plays with great eyes and instincts. This is able to translate to other players on the team as we get to play around him. It elevates everybody’s game,"
Sorensen said this in a press conference just before the AFC Championship matchup with the Bills. Mathieu and Sorensen have been playing with confidence, and it has undoubtedly shown as of late.
The two-star defensive backs have indeed formed a strong relationship on and off the football field. They have both become players fellow defensive teammates can look up to.
“He’s a team player. We can count on him each and every day. I think most importantly, you understand he’s committed to the team. Whatever it is, he has to do it for the team,”
Mathieu had this to say of Sorensen, so the top-notch chemistry is real and has been elevating play. Building solid relationships within a defensive unit can benefit everyone on the team immensely.
Chiefs Safety Deserves the Credit
The Honey Badger has been like a swiss-army knife for head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Mathieu has emerged as an all-around star player, not only as a safety. Let's take a look at where he has been lined up this season…
This is flat-out impressive and shows his true athleticism and raw talent. Tyrann Mathieu lets his game do the talking and has brought large amounts of success to the Chiefs this season.
With the Chiefs facing Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in Super Bowl LV, it is going to be of big importance that a player on this defense steps up and makes big-time plays.
The Kansas City defense must show up firing all cylinders in order to win this matchup, and Mathieu seems to have his unit doing just so.
Every team certainly could use a Honey Badger
Featured Image Via: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
