The Kansas City Chiefs have not relied on the arm or feet of Patrick Mahomes not the outstretched hands of Travis Kelce to get them to the Superbowl, but rather on a collective defense side effort.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is proving a mastermind, but he will not take credit, focusing instead on the team rather than the individual.

The Chiefs have bossed the defense in the playoffs with its 13.7 PPG in the playoffs marking the fourth lowest in 24 years to a team that reached the Super Bowl.

They are behind the 2000 Ravens, 2002 Bucs and the infamous 2013 “Legion of Boom” Seahawks.

The beauty is that this Chiefs defense is young and looking to create a lasting dynasty.
a
According to Spagnuolo, “This is a group of smart, passionate guys that love playing together, and that’s a good recipe for playing good defense.”

Kansas City have struggled offensively this season, so the bulk of the work has been done by the defense.

The Chiefs have only allowed more than 21 points twice all season, including the playoffs and amazingly have never coughed up more than 24 in any game.

The statistics speak for themselves:

In 2023 the Chiefs have allowed their fewest PPG in the regular season (17.3) and in the playoffs (13.7), since 2019, when Spagnuolo joined the franchise.

It may not matter what Christian McCaffrey or Brock Purdy do in the Superbowl, as the Chiefs defense could prove the difference.