Spagnuolo, the architect of the Chiefs’ defensive improvement
The Chiefs’ defensive improvement has a first and last name: Steve Spagnuolo
It is normal, and even logical, to think that any team with Patrick Mahomes as quarterback would be a real candidate for the title.
However, if we focus on this 2023-24 version of the Kansas City Chiefs, their legendary quarterback was not their main banner.
“Our defense has helped us all season long,” Mahomes admitted. “Fortunately now we are finding our synchronicity in attack and that makes us a complementary and dangerous team.”
The Chiefs’ defense has been one of the pleasant surprises of this season, and not because I didn’t think they had talent, but because I think not even the most optimistic person would have thought that they would finish second in points and yards allowed. . this season.
The architect of this phenomenal and underrated defense has a first and last name: Steve Spagnuolo.
A defensive coordinator who potentially has a date with history this Sunday. He is already the only coordinator to win Super Bowls with different franchises (Giants and Chiefs), and if he wins on Sunday, he would become the first coordinator in history to win four Super Bowls.
Few people remember that the Chiefs’ defense was a disaster before Spagnuolo arrived in 2019.
The evolution was not easy, but it gave confidence to the young players and today the results are visible.
“Spagnuolo deserves to be coordinator of the year,” defensive lineman Chris Jones emphasized. “The work he has done and the evolution of our unit year after year is unprecedented.”
In the Conference Championship game against the Ravens, Spagnuolo drew a work of art. He held the NFL’s best rushing attack to just 16 carries (six by running backs) and stumped Lamar Jackson with disguised tackles all afternoon.
Since Week 14, including the playoffs, the Chiefs defense has allowed just four points per game to their opponents in the second halves.
“The bigger the game gets, the bigger Spagnuolo grows,” safety Justin Reid said.
After the victory against Baltimore he saw the players wearing t-shirts that said “In Spags we trust”, and the support and affection he has from his players is evident.
Spagnuolo is a humble human being, and that is possibly the main reason why he has not received other offers to become a coach.
He didn’t fare well in his only stint as head coach with the Rams from 2009 to 2011, but he’s been through a lot of water under the bridge, and one could argue that perhaps this Chiefs defense represents the best work. . What does he do. in his career.
And Spagnuolo was the Giants’ defensive coordinator when they ruined the Patriots’ undefeated season in 2007-08.
Of course, having arguably the best cornerback duo in the NFL, L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie, who he often leaves on an island, helps push the limits of schematic creativity.
“It’s the most fun defense I’ve ever played,” Reid said. “It’s a dynamic unit and I have no doubt that Spagnuolo is the best defensive coordinator in the league.”
It’s clear the Chiefs players want to make sure their defensive coordinator gets the credit he deserves, even if Spagnuolo doesn’t want the attention.
“Honestly, I felt embarrassed when I saw the T-shirts with my face on them,” Spagnuolo explained. “The players had fun and fortunately we were able to win.”
The Chiefs will face a very talented San Francisco 49ers team in Super Bowl LVIII, and Kansas City will have the difficult challenge of limiting a unit that includes Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brock Purdy, George Kittle and Brandon. Aiyuk among others.
However, the Chiefs defense comes in with a lot of confidence and no blame judging by what has been a phenomenal season for them.
“Spagnuolo will have us ready, he is a magician,” concluded defensive lineman George Karlaftis. “We have complete confidence in him.”
It’s no surprise, considering the Chiefs’ defense has been the backbone of the team all season.
