It’s often said that defenses take on the identity of their defensive coordinators. In Kansas City we’re already beginning to see that metamorphosis.
There have been a lot things said about the new Chiefs defensive group since the offseason program began. Some people say that they’re playing with a different edge than past defenses. Others say that the influx of new leaders and talent has reinvigorated the defense. For NFL Network’s James Palmer, he’s noticed a different “vibe” from the defense.
Palmer attribute’s that vibe to new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and his hands on approach. Yes, Frank Clark and Tyrann Mathieu are the guys who are going to shape the identity of this defensive unit on the field, but as we’ve learned everything starts with the coaching.
One thing that Palmer noticed while he was at Chiefs’ mandatory minicamp was that Spagnuolo got heated with an official after there was some contact downfield that he didn’t like.
“Well I saw it today, Spagnuolo, screaming at the officials because he thought a wide receiver grabbed his defensive back’s facemask,” Palmer said. “It might be Steve Spagnuolo, in the screaming vocal voice of his, that’s bringing the identity to the Chiefs defense.”
It’s important that players see their coaches go to bat for them. It can bring out a passion on the field that turn the next repetition into something deadly. Just having that fiery presence teaching and coaching these guys should give them something that they haven’t had for a long time.
