Travis Kelce says the current Chiefs Defense is “The best I’ve ever played with”

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To this stage of the 2023 NFL season, the Chiefs’ backbone has been its defense.

During the good and poor performances that we’ve seen from this team all year, Steve Spagnuolo’s unit has been a shining light.

With the offense going through some ups and downs, defensively, this group have been solid throughout the campaign.

In years past, you could probably pinpoint the defensive strength on this team, such as its pass rush, who were second in team sacks in 2022 (55).

While there are standouts on this defensive unit, such as Chris Jones and Nick Bolton, this team’s all-around body of work has been stellar.

Bolton is currently on injured reserve, which makes the Chiefs’ defensive achievements thus far even more impressive.

After nine games, they are second in sacks with 31 and fourth in yards allowed per game (288.2).

KC have given up the fourth-fewest points in the NFL, allowing an average of just under 16 (15.9) so far.

Containing the big threats

Halfway through the regular season, Kansas City’s defense has faced some outstanding quarterbacks, receivers and running backs, holding most of them in check.

Through the first four weeks of the season, they had allowed the sixth-lowest passer rating in the NFL (75.6) despite facing two former Pro Bowl QBs, Jared Goff and Trevor Lawrence.

The league’s current sixth-leading rusher, Travis Etienne, averaged a mere 3.3 yards per carry against the Chiefs, while the Bears’ Justin Fields only had a 4.3-yard average on the ground versus KC.

The secondary has been equally as good, holding the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year, Justin Jefferson, to three catches for 28 yards, Keenan Allen had four catches, and the receiving leader in 2023, Tyreek Hill averaged fewer than eight yards per catch (7.8)

High Praise from Chiefs stars

The outstanding defensive play of the Chiefs’ defense has not gone unnoticed by KC’s offensive studs.

Following their 21-14 victory against Miami, Travis Kelce said this about the Chiefs’ defense.

“I can probably tell you, halfway through the season, that this is the best defense I’ve ever played with.

“They come up in huge moments, man. Honestly, they’ve been saving us in a lot of situations. But that’s why you play this team game, man. It’s why it’s the best game in the world.”

Patrick Mahomes echoed similar sentiments about their ability to slow down Miami on Sunday.

“That’s a great offense. To hold them to 14 points where I fumbled in our own area for seven of those points, that’s a tremendous job,” said Mahomes.

KC held Dolphins pivot Tua Tagovailoa to season lows in completion percentage (61.8), passing yards (193), yards per attempt (5.7), and passer rating (87.0).

Getting it done by committee

What’s made this defense especially tough in 2023 has been the fact that nearly everyone has made a significant contribution.

At least five players have registered 40 or more tackles, five have also come up with at least five sacks, five have at least one interception, and over a dozen have at least one pass defended.

Across the board, it’s hard to argue with Mahomes and Kelce about the outstanding work of this defense.