The Kansas City Chiefs defense has increased their takeaways over the last two games, adding a missing dynamic from earlier in the season. All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie described the group’s energy during his postgame press conference after Saturday’s victory.
“I felt it. The energy with the team, the offense putting up points and controlling the ball, the defense making stops,” said McDuffie. “We let up a few third-and-longs, which we were disappointed with. Overall, everybody just stuck together. The energy was there on the sideline; you could just tell that guys were trying to get back in the groove of things. For me, it was really exciting to be a part of that.”
McDuffie secured another interception in Saturday’s victory over the Houston Texans, less than a week from getting his first career pick. He appreciated the coaching staff for preparing players for a short week.
“(Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Steve Spagnuolo) Spags has a big emphasis on the first drive and the last drive of every half,” said McDuffie. “Going back to the coaches during the week, we spent a lot of time in two minute and in situational (football), just making sure we know what we’re doing but also what they’re going to attack us with. I felt like, over the course of the year we’ve been hit with a few different things, but now that we’re getting to the later part of the year, we know what teams try to attack us with. Guys are starting to get comfortable with our play calls and trying to execute the calls correctly.”
The Chiefs’ defense has eight takeaways in two weeks, increasing its pressure and sacks of opposing quarterbacks. Over the next few days, they will prepare for the elusive Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.
