What Steve Spagnuolo is doing to get most out of ‘young and hungry’ Chiefs defense
New York Times— As a group, the Kansas City Chiefs defenders know their job is not always finished after a successful stop on third down — especially when the opposing offense has the ball past midfield. In the Chiefs’ 17-9 win, the team’s last two defensive snaps featured dime personnel, the six defensive backs featuring three cornerbacks and three safeties. It's mostly self-inflicted wounds Even before the Chiefs began their postseason run to the Super Bowl last season, Spagnuolo’s dime package became his most effective and versatile personnel grouping. “We get to dime, you don’t know what you’re going to get from coach Spags,” defensive line coach Joe Cullen said in “Time’s Yours 2,” an NFL Films documentary that was released earlier this month. Over the offseason, we’ve been talking about, ‘What can the defense do?’ We’ve done a really good job at just getting the ball back to.” The biggest challenge ahead for the Chiefs’ dime personnel, coach Andy Reid said, is whether the secondary — which features four second-year players, McDuffie, Williams Watson and Cook — can continue to ascend in critical situations.
History of this topic
Chiefs pummel Justin Herbert, remain undefeated but lose Rashee Rice: Key takeaways
New York Times
Why the Chiefs’ defense, despite success, has struggled to cover one position
New York Times
Sizing up Chiefs’ cornerback competition — the lone position battle in camp
New York TimesChiefs looking for cornerback depth options at training camp
Associated PressChiefs sign defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to a contract extension
Associated Press
49ers pack their bags believing they’ll be ready for the steep climb ahead
New York Times
Patrick Mahomes does it again: Super Bowl MVP leads Chiefs to thrilling OT win
New York Times
NFL Week 9 best and worst coaching decisions: Chiefs’ Spagnuolo takes it to Dolphins
New York TimesChiefs unable to pull off the seemingly impossible by overcoming five turnovers in loss to Broncos
Associated Press
Chiefs win ugly: Is it evidence of a disjointed season or positive for the long run?
New York Times
Analysis: Defense still wins in the NFL playoffs
The Independent
One last rush? Chris Jones, Frank Clark hope to push Chiefs to Super Bowl glory again
New York Times
Chiefs marvel at Mahomes yet realize he can’t do it alone
Associated Press
Chiefs’ surging defense, winning streak has been powered by a rejuvenated Frank Clark
New York Times
Takeaways from Chiefs’ win over 49ers: New O-line looks smooth, WR Daurice Fountain joins roster conversation
New York Times
Expect plenty of Super Bowl trickery and scheming from Chiefs vs. Bucs
LA Times
Chiefs film review: Coaches Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo put on a clinic Monday
New York Times
Chargers defense finds success in limiting Chiefs chunk plays
LA Times
How did the Chiefs’ defense improve? One reason can be found in the texts among their rambunctious linemen
New York TimesDiscover Related
