It’s no doubt that the Chiefs’ defense has helped the team to win most of the games this season. In the AFC Championship against the Baltimore Ravens, the defense looked solid once again, especially considering the offensive strength of the Ravens. Head coach Andy Reid is proud of his defensive linemen, including the defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo.

Reid discussed the thrilling victory of the Kansas City Chiefs, where they depended on outstanding performances from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and a strong Chiefs defense. The defense limited MVP frontrunner Lamar Jackson and his offensive weapons to just 10 points, securing a spot in Super Bowl 58. But there was a time when the team was derailing from their Super Bowl path. And Andy Reid revealed that “wake up call” for his team.

Andy Reid gave due credit to Antonio Pierce and the Raiders

The Chiefs had a battle against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16 of the regular season. The Red team lost the matchup with 6 points. However, that game was the last loss for Patrick Mahomes’ team, as since then, the team has changed themselves drastically. Talking about the same Raiders game, coach Andy Reid revealed how that Week 16 game and coach Antonio Pierce helped the Chiefs to make a strong comeback for the rest of the season. Reid was asked about the transformations from that phase to the current phase in a presser, and how the team was looking at it.

To which the 65-year-old said, “I think that was a good wakeup call for us. They came out with great emotion. Antonio had him ready to go, but that emotion was a thing that jumped out at you that they played with and I think it gave our guys a nice little, for a better term, a wakeup call.” He emphasized the need for the team to elevate their performance, acknowledging that success won’t come easily. He recalled that every team was giving their best against them, and facing an opponent that overcame adversity highlighted the importance of stepping up.

Raiders, too, were not able to deliver their best in the regular season, however, they never gave up and fought till the end to give a tough competition in the last few matchups, including defeating the Chiefs. And this served as a “wake-up call” from Pierce and his team for coach Andy Reid and KC. Despite this, Reid also expressed that they “were able to learn from it and move on.”

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Reid believed they could improve and viewed this experience as “a little kick in the tail there” to spur them into action. He also praised Steve Spagnuolo for his outstanding defensive strategies. In defense, the Chiefs have only allowed 74 points since 25/12/23 in 5 games (14.8 per game). In comparison, the Ravens allowed 63 in 4 (15.75 per game); the 49ers allowed 83 in 4 (20.75 per game); and the Lions allowed 120 in 5 (24 per game).

As a result the team’s offense just woke up at the correct time, and the defense, under  Spagnuolo, continued the onslaught at the other end.

What changed in the Chiefs’ locker room after Week 16?

On December 25, the Chiefs faced a disappointing 20-14 loss against LA, highlighting their ongoing offensive struggles. This loss prevented them from securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC and hindered their eighth consecutive AFC West title. The defeat was particularly frustrating due to defensive touchdowns scored by the Raiders and the Chiefs’ dismal start with -18 yards in the first quarter, the worst in the NFL since 2004. During the game, the emotions flared on the Chiefs sideline, with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce expressing visible frustration.

Following this, changes in approach were made, with offensive players spending more time together with the quarterback, watching tape, and ensuring everyone was on the same page. The adjustment was crucial, and the team worked on aligning their understanding of offensive plays based on the opponents’ defensive looks. Furthermore, the Chiefs defense also tightened up, as in the last game against the Ravens, they brought a tough challenge to the table for the Ravens’ high-powered offense.

As a result, due to the team effort, the Chiefs are now once again in the Super Bowl.

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