Kansas City Chiefs' defense stays hot in the most crucial categories during win over Steelers
The Kansas City Chiefs' defense has played well all season, but has really turned it up over the past few weeks in the most crucial categories – sacks and turnovers. On Wednesday's Christmas Day clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City's defense allowed just 10 points, sacked quarterback Russell Wilson five times, and forced two […]
The Kansas City Chiefs' defense has played well all season, but has really turned it up over the past few weeks in the most crucial categories – sacks and turnovers.
On Wednesday's Christmas Day clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City's defense allowed just 10 points, sacked quarterback Russell Wilson five times, and forced two turnovers (one fumble recovery, one interception).
Over their last three games, the Chiefs have forced 10 turnovers and recorded 13 sacks. They have been lacking in both of those areas all year long, but are now clicking in both departments at the perfect time as we near the postseason.
What made Wednesday's performance by the Chiefs' defense even more impressive is that it was without Chris Jones, it's star defensive tackle. Jones by far has been the most disruptive pass rusher for K.C. this season, but the slack was picked up by a committee effort.
Chiefs defenders who recorded a sack against the Steelers includes defensive ends Mike Danna (2), George Karlaftis (1), Felix Anudike-Uzomah (1), as well as defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (1). Safety Justin Reid snagged a crucial interception in the endzone as Pittsburgh was threatening to score late in the first quarter, and cornerback Trent McDuffie ripped the ball out of Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth's arms early in the fourth quarter, leading to a K.C. touchdown on the following drive.
That is a lot of different names contributing to the success of the Chiefs' defense. Other players who are making a big impact are linebacker Dru Tranquill and rookies Jaden Hicks and Chris Roland-Wallace. Tranquill finished second in tackles against Pittsburgh with nine, Hicks had several big hits and pass breakups, and Roland-Wallace led all K.C. defenders in tackles with 10. If the defense keeps this up, the Chiefs will be poised to achieve the NFL's first ever Super Bowl three-peat.
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