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When did we jump into a time machine, bringing us back to the 1990's?
That was the last time when the Kansas City Chiefs played defense that was nationally recognized as one of the best and most feared units in the NFL. Last night, the Chiefs went into the Philadelphia Eagles' house on a short-week to play a team considered unstoppable by many so-called experts.
When the night was over and Kansas City walked off the field 3-0 for the first time since 2010, the defense had scored a touchdown, recovered two fumbles (another one went to the special teams), securing two interceptions, and accounted for five sacks. Overall, this team has forced nine turnovers in three games.
If the Chiefs continue to play defense like this, they are going to be in the mix for the AFC come January.
Let it be said the offense needs to pick up its pace significantly if Kansas City is going to beat the likes of Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Even with this defense, the offense will kill the Chiefs come playoff time should they get there. We have seen this story, whether it be authored by Steve Bono, Steve DeBerg or Elvis Grbac.
The offense must pull some weight. This league demands you have the ability to put up a lot of points consistently to have any hope. Right now, Kansas City is struggling to score even with great field position and a tired defense in front of it. If the offense can improve to average, this team could be a monster come playoff-time.
For now, the fact remains that the Chiefs are starting to make a name for themselves on the other side of the ball. All three levels are performing exceptionally, something that has seemed like a pipe dream for ions. On third down, the Eagles went 3-for-10, losing rhythm along the way.
Sure, Philadelphia racked up 431 yards, by it only scored 16 points. Kansas City swarmed Michael Vick the entire night, giving him a Brodie Croyle-esque passing line of 13 of 30 for 201 yards and two interceptions along with a touchdown, totaling to a 49.4 QB rating.
Vick was also put on the turf repeatedly by a host of Chiefs, most notably Justin Houston and his 3.5 4.5 sacks. Tamba Hali got his first sack of the year and both can thank Dontari Poe, who the Eagles double-teamed all night at the expense of singling-up Hali and Houston.
One also has to mention the job Brandon Flowers did despite clearly being hurt. Against DeSean Jackson, the league's leading receiver, Flowers held the burner to three catches for 62 yards, and only one real play of consequence. Sean Smith was every bit as dominant on the other side against the overwhelmed Riley Cooper.
Eric Berry made his presence felt all night, blanketing Brent Celek, roaming across the middle and scoring the second touchdown of his career on a 38-yard interception return. Derrick Johnson set the play up, tipping the pass by reading Vick's intentions.
When the Chiefs' cornerbacks can shut down receivers one-on-one, it's all over for the opposition. There are simply too many playmakers in the front seven for Bob Sutton to deploy elsewhere, usually headed toward the pocket, to make the quarterback's life impossible.
This defense is putting the rest of the NFL on notice, attacking from every angle. It's a beautiful thing to watch, unless you are preparing to face it.