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It seems like the entire fanbase considers this defense better than last season's, at least until recently. But is it?
Last year's D was terrible to start the year, but made a dramatic turnaround. We all know the personnel and strategy changes that led to it. From week 8 forward, they allowed 16 ppg. I think it may have been the best scoring defense in the NFL during that time, or close.
On this day last year, KC's D notched its third straight game of allowing exactly 9 points. Vs Dallas, Denver and the Raiders. The Cowboys were #1 in total offense and the Raiders were high on the list too. Talking heads were calling KC's defense a dominant unit, and the narrative became that it was carrying the offense.
Obviously they struggled in the 4th quarter in the divisional vs the Bills, but the Bills were coming off a no punt game against a pretty good NE defense and were rolling.
On paper, KC got faster and more athletic this year. Ditched the liabilities like Sorenson, Niemann, Hughes and Hitchens. But it's really hard for me to say they've been better collectively. At least not yet.
I think last year's defense was underappreciated, and this year's is overappreciated.
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