Ever since Steve Spagnuolo took over as the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs after the 2018 season, it's been arguably harder for opponents to score touchdowns on the Chiefs than it has been easy for the numerous Patrick Mahomes offenses to also find the end zone.
Spags' system and aggressive blitz-heavy scheme transformed the Chiefs into being more than a one-dimensional squad, instantly getting them over the hump to the 2019 Super Bowl, and then continuing its efficiency to birth a dynasty. One thing is for sure, though. The 2026-27 defensive roster looks far different on paper than it did just one year ago.
And if the Chiefs want to remain one of the NFL's premier teams, coming off a 6-11 season, Spagnuolo will have to carry his part. The Chiefs ranked seventh among the entire league last year in percentage of red-zone drives that ended in touchdowns, at just 52.94%, according to TeamRankings. Even more impressive, KC came fourth in conceding just 1.9 TDs per contest.
Can this new-look Chiefs defense prove to be even better than those of years past?
Some multi-year leaders remain on the field for Spags like Chris Jones, Nick Bolton, George Karlaftis, and Chamarri Conner. But other than that, this defense is full of young, unproven guys who all have varying levels of success and, even more than that, potential.
First-and-second-round rookies Mansoor Delane, Peter Woods, and R Mason Thomas will all prove to be imminently more important than usual as they could all three very well be slotted in as Week 1 starters when the Chiefs take on the Denver Broncos in a primetime clash.
Then you have signed free-agent veterans Alohi Gilman and Khyiris Tonga, as well as returning CB L'Jarius Sneed. All guys who have had success in this league and will be asked to carry a heavy burden of vocal leadership, while making sure that their on-the-field prowess remains at a high level.
The Chiefs, ever since 2023, have had a hard time sacking the quarterback and getting off the field on third downs. A re-envisioned defensive tackle room, along with a younger, faster, and perhaps more turnover-forcing secondary, could work wonders at keeping those numbers above the same or potentially even better this upcoming campaign.
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