Patrick Mahomes explains what makes this Chiefs defense so special
With October around the corner, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has a terrifying message for anyone doubting his team's defense. Through three weeks of the 2023 NFL season, the Chiefs defense has been the storyline that everyone has been quick to ignore, but this could well be the best defense of the Mahomes era. They've […]
With October around the corner, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has a terrifying message for anyone doubting his team's defense.
Through three weeks of the 2023 NFL season, the Chiefs defense has been the storyline that everyone has been quick to ignore, but this could well be the best defense of the Mahomes era. They've allowed just 13.3 points per game this season, the fourth-fewest in the NFL. They're allowing just 280.7 total yards per game which is the fifth-best mark in the league. They've allowed just two passing touchdowns all season long.
Mahomes, however, has been quick to praise this group. Reporters sought to get to the bottom of what has impressed the star quarterback most about this version of Steve Spagnuolo's defense.
“Yeah, I would hate playing our defense," Mahomes said. "Obviously, the players, I mean they’re deep at every single position right now, but the scheme and how they execute it. That’s why I always say after training camp, ‘Alright now we can get back to the regular season where I can get focused on the couple of coverages I’m going to see, or the little changeup here or there.' Versus our defense, it’s like every single play you never know what to expect, and I think that’s hard for offenses to go against."
Some 2022 NFL draft picks are another year wiser, but the team also supplemented that with some veteran players. Mahomes says they're playing a lot faster and seem much more comfortable than they did a season ago. It's also opening up opportunities for Steve Spagnuolo to call the defense the way that he wants to, which means being versatile in their coverages. The players are also given a greater level of freedom to make adjustments on the fly.
"I mean a lot of these guys came back for a second year now or multiple years and they have an understanding of what (Defensive Coordinator Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo) and why he’s calling stuff and what he wants," Mahomes said. "I think that’s what makes it so special, and I think they’re going to continue to grow and continue to get better with more and more reps.”
A "special" defense with Mahomes at quarterback on the other side of the ball is something the league has never seen before.
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Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
