The Kansas City Chiefs advanced to the Divisional round of the 2023 NFL Playoffs thanks to a defensive unit that has been among the league’s best all season and is remarkably the best it’s been since the Mahomes era began in Kansas City. As the Chiefs prepare for Buffalo in the Divison round of the AFC Playoffs, head coach Andy Reid was asked to reflect on how good his defense has played this season during his weekly presser on Wednesday.
While the offense struggled to find its footing this year, the Chiefs defense was noticeably the bright spot of the team throughout the 2023 regular season. Reid credited the Chiefs’ off-season additions – defensive end Charles Omenihu and linebacker Drue Tranquill – for playing a large role in the team stepping up on the defensive side.
“They both have played well for us and continue to play well for us,” Reid began. “But obviously, with [Nick] Bolton going down, Drue [Tranquill] stepped into one of the leadership positions, and the transmitter from the front to the back sides and did a great job. Then with Charles [Omenihu] mixing him in there with that d-line, I think has been a nice addition. The hat goes off to [General Manager] Brett [Veach] for a job that he did bringing those guys in here his insight was spot on.”
Safety Mike Edwards was also a key addition from free agency that paid dividends for Kansas City, filling in for Juan Thornhill, who signed with the Cleveland Browns last spring. Edwards registered 51 tackles and one interception during the regular season. In the wild card vs. Miami, Edwards tallied an interception that led to a field goal that helped the Chiefs lead the Dolphins 10-0 late in the first quarter.
“He’s a heck of a football player and that’s what he is,” Reid said of his starting safety. “You’re going to look at him, and you’re not going to say that he’s the fastest guy, the biggest guy, the strongest guy, or any of that,” he explained. “He just knows how to play the game, he’s got great instincts, a smart, smart kid. Tough.”
As the Chiefs get ready to go on the road to Buffalo on Sunday, they hope to have an advantage by having Drue Tranquill, who did not play against the Bills in Week 13 due to injury, in the lineup.
“The more we have, the better, right? He can help us,” said Reid. “I’m not saying that’s what we’re doing with him, but he can help us through all the different looks.”
Kansas City’s defense has played at a level that is championship caliber this year. As the offense continues to get back on track to where it’s been in the past, the Chiefs are looking like they could be a tough out going into the second round of the playoffs.
