[sendtonews_embed video_id=”nHS2Pc2Cs4-710811-7498″]
The Kansas City Chiefs defense took significant strides last season, improving considerably from the 2018 season. The new defense led by coordinator Steve Spagnuolo benefitted from the addition of veteran defensive end Frank Clark and All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu.
Mathieu was an outspoken leader on last year’s defense, in what was also his first season with the Chiefs. He has never been shy in regards to his thoughts on the team’s progression and responding to critics. His latest response is to head coach Andy Reid’s belief that the defense is better than what they displayed last season. Mathieu ironically agreed with his head coach expressing more thoughts on the topic while speaking with the media.
“I agree, we could’ve been so much better,” said Mathieu.“Especially the production at the ball. I think I dropped eight interceptions by myself. Just understanding that if you make certain plays, it would’ve completely changed how well we played. I thought we played well but it could’ve been great. So, I think that’s the motivation this year that we know we can really get better.”
It’s hard to imagine the Chiefs’ defense improving much more than they did in 2019. The Chiefs defense went from statistically being ranked No. 31 in total defense 2018 to being ranked No. 7 heading into the postseason in 2019. It was quite the jump spearheaded by players like Mathieu, Clark and others.
One way that Mathieu is hoping to improve his own game this offseason is by studying players on other teams at the various positions he plays. He hopes to add a piece of their game to his own.
“Most offseasons I always study offenses,” said Mathieu. “I try to see what teams are going to be on the schedule that year then try to get a jumpstart on them. But lately, I’ve been studying other guys and I think that’s really starting to help my game, too. Watching other guys play the position I play because I play a lot of additional positions. At times my technique can start to slip because I’m all over the place, so I think it’s good to kind of watch other guys play certain positions. Guys like Chris Harris Jr., (Richard) Sherman, Patrick Peterson, Kevin Byard, Derwin James. I watch these guys’ film and we’re all different, but I try to take something from that. I think that’s where I’m at this offseason. I think I’ve had a lot of time to really do that this year.”
Mathieu has, in just one season, carved a legacy in Chiefs history by revitalizing the defense with his fiery playstyle. The 2020 defense already sounds promising for the many critics hoping for last year to be a fluke.