A resounding win over the Denver Broncos has the Kansas City Chiefs riding high with the top spot in the AFC West heading into Week 14. They’re on a five-game winning streak that has righted the ship after the team’s slow start that had many questioning if they were a legitimate contender this year.
The defense, in particular, was a total liability through September and October, but they have since transformed into an indomitable force. Defensive leader and All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu spoke on the unit’s mentality since they’ve been able to get back on track, crediting the group effort of each player collectively for helping turn the defense into a net positive for Kansas City.
“Mostly, it has been our commitment to each other,” Mathieu said about the defense’s ability to get right. “Believing in each other and not letting outside noise dictate the way we feel, dictate the way we approach this. I would say it is a total team effort to stay committed to each other.”
Mathieu expounded on the turnaround further, telling reporters that everyone involved in the early season struggles wanted to play up to their full potential. The team is moving past what they can no longer control, with a focus on improving each day and making a strong finish.
“Everyone in that locker room wanted to start the season much better,” he said. “It didn’t go that way, but we can’t necessarily worry about that. It is all about moving forward and staying committed to the team.”
With his veteran leadership, the sky remains the limit for a Chiefs defense that many had written off as a bust just about a month ago. Five more weeks stand between the revamped unit and a chance to prove their worth in the playoffs, and if recent performances are any indication, not many teams will want to face them in an elimination game.
