The chiefs remind me so much of the 2000s and 2010s patriots in how they evolve their schemes depending on their personel. You saw years where the offense was torching the league but you also saw years where the defense carried the team and several years where it was a balaned team. Hate them or love them they always found ways to maximize their talent
@ThinkingFootball A lot of people are quick to blame the refs but I believe Tom Brady articulated it the best. He said the main reason Chiefs are winning (outside of a great defense) is that rarely if ever have negative plays on offense, always prepared every week, and never make mental errors when the game is on the line
@@BenEnlet29 Yes. Everyone's been bringing up that "positive play" stat, recently. Brady wasn't the first one I heard that from. It's the one thing they're the best at, out of all the stats. One of those graphics, where they show all the RBs on one chart, Kareem is all by himself in never losing yardage.
HUGE shoutout to these position coaches and players too! ok we been knowing spags is a deranged mad genius, but its insane that the chiefs managed to find at least another 20 guys just as lunatic as him who are capable of teaching and executing such an insanely complicated defense
I'll maintain that a big part of unlocking the true psycho Spags was Tyrann Mathieu. Honey Badger set the attitude and expectation that this kind of concept thrives on. It's lived on even after he went to the Saints (and the players and coaches have said as much) It's just a complete culture shift. Don't get me wrong there were players before that embodied it and showed out, but when Honey Badger came the whole mindset of the defense just went from "bend don't break" to "break them."
The Tyreek Hill trade for picks was pivotal. It helped accelerate the Chiefs ability to rebuild their defensive roster focusing on specific skillset players in day 2-3. Good FA signings as well with Justin Reid (who replaced Mathieu) and Omenihu. Most their DBs are from the draft are physical and can play press pretty well. Also helps they work well as blitzers too.
I'm sure it's been said but huge shout out to DB coach Dave Merritt as well. The scheme is insane, it only works because we have underrated smart beasts like Leo Chenal, Tranquil and Bolton at LB, but Dave Merritt time and time again gets our DBs up and running and physical in this defense. Front doesn't work with out the back and visa versa, but Chiefs have continually rotated through young CBs in this concept and it's continued to work. Impressive work all around. Fantastic video!
In 2022, the Chiefs drafted 7 defensive players and acquired Justin Reid in free agency. Those 8 guys have combined for 12,936 defensive snaps across the past 2½ seasons and postseasons, or about ⅜ of the team's total defensive snaps-or, to put it another way, each snap the Chiefs have been on defense since the beginning of the 2022 season has featured an average of more than 4 players acquired in 2022.
I've told people that the Chiefs drafted, and put together with Reid, this secondary to match up with the Bengals receivers, specifically when they had Chase, Higgins, and Boyd, and if they, this secondary, can match up with that receiving core they can match up with any team's receiving core.
@@WilliamClark-uj1uohe is the best WR of the Reid/Chiefs era, by far. I don't believe they wanted to let him go, but the exploding WR market forced them to pivot to defense more quickly than originally planned. It is obvious that had the trade not occurred, the offense would have remained much better but the defense would have suffered. You cannot argue though with the success. You cannot do better than back-to-back after the trade.
After the Niners' last SB loss, Kyle and Lynch made Spags a big DC offer which Spags leveraged into a rich contract with the Chiefs. Spags would take a head coach job but only if the right owner offered. With the Chiefs going deep into the play offs every single season, most teams don't want to wait on a hire so the Chiefs benefit from great coaching continuity.
Spag's recent run with the Chiefs further cements his status as one of the best defensive minds in the last two decades or so. He was also the defensive mind responsible helping beat the 2007 historic Pats offense with a Giants D-line that became monstrous by the time the playoffs rolled in.
You often hear about Spags genius, but are rarely shown. As someone who doesn't have a ton of defensive scheme knowledge, I really appreciate this vid, man. Controlled chaos, to a tee. I'm not sure how a QB can read what's about to happen when things could come from anywhere, and the D is basically telling your own OL what to do. Even with all the trickery, it's awesome how fast everyone can still play. Also, no wonder Mahome's is a defense-reading savant. He has to practice against this. Spags in a recent podcast talked about how he will ask Mahomes what he thinks of new Def plays, and if it's confusing enough haha.
They get better every year through the course of the year. The D was stellar in the playoffs in his first year. Just been the last few years were the D has been filled with players drafted to be "Spags Guys"
in the modern NFL, teams draft offense early in rounds, leaving chiefs to draft defense at the end of each round. this is one of the concessions that the chiefs have had to make in order to keep winning. Spags, Cullen, Merritt have coached up their guys and home grown this defense over the last five years. your video displays its beauty in motion.
I really think the biggest strength of the defense is stonewalling every running back they see. Blitzing is a lot easier when teams have to pass on 3rd and long because they're averaging 2 yards per rush.
They definitely wouldn't be undefeated without the defense. But, they also wouldn't be undefeated without Mahomes. His 4th quarter play/stats prove it. Highest 4th quarter QBR in the league.
Similar way how Les Snead/McVay built the version of the Rams that would win the SB. Defensively they were set having the right pieces to build around one of the best defensive players of the decade in Aaron Donald. They just needed the right QB for McVay to execute the vision of the offense where he needed someone with an arm to go downfield more especially under pressure.
Video idea: Choose who you think is one of the best players at each position across all NFL teams & breakdown why you feel that way, what makes them so good, & define/showcase attributes about their game that's unique, innovative, fundamentally sound, demonstrates high football IQ, &/or anything you'd like to talk about regarding the player?
@@ThinkingFootball Have you ever made a video about 'being multiple' concept in modern football? Y'know the idea of having 2-3 guys in different positions do multiple roles? Like how the Lions have 2 RBs. But also underneath pass catching threats from Sun God/Laporta/Gibbs. And situationally their athletic OLs get involved too. Commanders take their run game to a new level with Daniels/B-Rob Jr/Eckeler (also a pass catcher) and McNichols. Their intermediate pass game is solid too with Ertz and their other receivers. Also helps McLaurin is the all around receiver as well.
That video was outstanding. What a great breakdown. You can see the late Jim Johnson's influence on his scheme. Kudos to the young players executing these complex tactics.
first off.. your voice belongs in some sort of commercial/narration etc. second of.. your knowledge and breakdown just opened some eyes for people who dont get it. insta sub!
Great video man, as always. How do you defend against this as an offense? Obviously lineman can't just ignore apparent blitzers pre snap because they think pressure is usually coming from somewhere else, so how would they ever know where to slide?
@@jayfisher7726 it almost seems unreal that one of his proteges would go on to create a dynasty with andy reid, same HC he made his lasting legacy with in philly
Just like how brady faced a ton of hate throughout his career, with excuse after excuse about how he didnt earn his success we are now seeing that with Mahomes. Lets see him win another one amidst it all
Or at least give it as an option like on Amazon and ESPN. This is why I love attending games in person. You can see so much more and your eyes can go where they desire. The best investment I make is the $99.99 for NFL plus because I can watch every game after Sunday (condensed, of course) and the All 22. And then REAL analysis like this! I liken it to being a chess enthusiast in Russia. I don't even gamble. 😂
Many QBs nowadays are picked for physical attributes first rather than mental processing time, and having a coach show them 8 variants of a Spags blitz probably mentally wears on them, putting more doubt and hesitation, than if they hadn't been shown.
Even then Spag's philosophy even against those physical guys is to let them hold onto the ball longer through confusion and indecision. Worse case they run the ball themselves for less than a chunk play. But they won't feed their star playmakers or running backs to get their offense in rhythm.
At this point in time investing more money and attention into the defense is more important. The offense can have inconsistencies and some 3 and outs but the defense just can't be allowed to have these same inconsistencies.
It can also be said that the Chiefs having stability at QB/RB/O-line (interior)/super pro DT (Chris Jones) that it makes it easier for the GM to improve the defense by finding specific skillets for defensive players in day 2-3. Besides McDuffie who hit as a late 1st round corner and the safety Cook, other DBs they got including Sneed (who now plays for the Titans) are day 3 picks. Other good day 2 defensive picks besides Bolton were Karlaftis whose not a great athlete and Chenal whose a big LB that is valuable in Spag's system.
What the Chiefs defense has been doing is amazing and the perfect compliment to Reid's offense, Spagnolo deserves a ton of credit. This will likely continue until someone figures out how to shut down that offense. Spagnolo is not a genius though, it appears that way with Mahomes on the team. If Spags goes to a new team as a HC and assumed to be a genius, I doubt his defense will work. He would be smart to just stay right where he is and keep winning SBs. That being said, I hope he goes to the Jets as the next HC. 🤣 That will be the end of the Chiefs as the Alpha.
Also remember that Patrick mahomes is rated as the best clutch player this year. His stats suck, but his 4th quarter stats and production are top 3 in the NFL this year. So the defense keeps it close, and the mahomes produces in the 4th quarter
That’s because he’s saving himself for the playoffs. He’s at that point where he’s so good that he doesn’t have to go super saiyan in every game and can trust the defense to make a stop for him. Our lord need not flaunt his power in trifling times.
@@dieterschmidt5282 No. But like all great players, Patrick rises to the occasion when the need is greatest - third down and fourth quarter. A player cannot give his very best on every single play and every situation. If they tried, they wouldn't have it when needed. The same goes for Chris Jones and Travis Kelce.
McDuffie is amazing at hiding his presence during the blitz. He often slides behind one of the bigger players to fool both the O-line and QB into thinking there's only one rusher there when there's actually two. He's also fast as hell and can be on top of a QB before they even see him coming.
You have by far the best football channel on RUclips, next to Brett Kollman. There's actual deep analysis here, but presented in an engaging and lively video format. It fits such a niche in the market of thinking about football, between the wannabe NFL scouts who put up unedited 20 minute video monologues about a quarterback and the other crew who simply say "There's no answer to the Lions, they're unstoppable!" with a bunch of highlights and no analysis.
There are others but in a sense guys like Brett, TF, Billy Stephens and a few others helped me approach some content like QB School's who is geared more on film study in the perspective of the QB. But I also watch those 20~30+ minute videos on 1.5~2x playback speed.
If people just take a moment to see Spag's coaching history, he's cemented enough credit for himself to deserve his flowers. Deluded homers/Box score/Parlay fans won't really care because they don't ever look at the game that way.
7:38 that play specifically wasn’t supposed to be a zero blitz. Spagz confirmed with GMF that there was supposed to be a safety in deep coverage, but the players saw something he didn’t and made the play adjustment in real time to bring extra heat. Scary to think about, not only do you have to worry about Spagz made genius but also his players too
Someone else mentioned in the comments that in 2022 the Chiefs acquired 7 defensive players in the draft along with Justin Reid in the FA. 8 of those players account for about 13k snaps together in the span of 2.5 years including playoffs. That experience and continuity matters A LOT for defenses in the NFL that usually experience a load of variance for results every year.
Would love to see how Ryans (Texans) is maximizing talent despite all the injuries, having one of the best defenses and ALSO what's going wrong with the offense.
The crazy thing about the fake over-look is you’d think teams would know that and just run the ball the opposite way. But chiefs D is so talented it doesn’t matter which way you run the ball.
8:48 i just read an article on hot quarters as its universally called but you explain it to a t what the defense is and the sometimes unguard the flats bc they see it as a non threat
U gotta do one on Jesse Minter too. Bro turned a bottom 5 defense last year into the #1 scoring defense this year with a lot of the same players plus low level fa's and rookies
You can watch the preview with the Mike MacDonald video he did months ago. They are both from the same school of sim pressure looks/blitzing philosophy utilized by Rex Ryan/Dean Pees/Rick Minter (Jesse's dad). They even got to show off that aspect serving as defensive coordinators for Michigan (Minter with more recent tape of it from last season). EDIT: Chargers YT did a preview on this 2 months ago with a familiar face explaining the basics.
Feel like the raiders should see this coming 1:57 based on the secondary’s alignment. After the safety rolled down they’d be STUPID to blitz from the 3 receiver side
instead of using the RB to block, use him to find the open space on the side for a quick throw... that will force the defense to change and rush less... or have two RB one for blocking and make the other run to the side where there single coverage.
Oh believe me, they do. That's why teams the employ good pass catching backs and TEs often have some success. But Spags will use counter-measures and occasionally you will see an opponent take a drive ending loss having been out guessed.
So how does all the defense guys know where to go on each play? I guess Bolton tells them the defensive coverage since he has the green dot. I’m guessing they memorize many types of coverages and give it a name.
You often will see middle linebackers on any given team barking out calls to the defense and changing them to adjust to motion or alignment changes of the offense on any given play. That's my 2 cents. What do you think?
Keep in mind Spags only shows the blitz looks on late passing downs (for the most part). Not worth unleashing 5+ bodies and dropping back D-line men when the QB isn't really dropping back to pass. More than likely Spags default blitz look is the one early in the video where he overloads the strong side but actually rushes guys from the weak side. Then adjustments are made based on the tendencies of the offense and where the QB is looking to get the ball at. The back end (DBs/safeties) have their set of responsibilities of course (unless they are blitzing) but probably have their own set of rules depending if they end up being split safety or 1 high safety.
Because he's a crappy coach that the NFL is helping because they want Mahomes back in the Superbowl...Bill Belichick also forgot how to coach when Brady left...
I find that hard to believe. Even when the defense was middle of the road with the talents they had before 2022, Spags always had the unit peaking as very good against the run. With Chris Jones being the key anchor for run defense AND winning 1 on 1 with pass pressures.
@@mdlassel Those 'fanbase' folks actually didn't watch the game to realize Mahomes didn't have an O-line to keep him from running and making off platform throws. Plus the defensive roster was doing all it can with only Jones as the legit guy. Considering the defense talent had guys like Sorensen who was always getting torched on coverage for good reason. Sounds more like casual folks looking for someone to scapegoat why the Chiefs under performed against the Brady Bucs collective.
@ it can mean that. What you mean? Lmao leaving your guys one on one is risky. lol dude that is basic football. 😂😂 the chiefs don’t give up a lot of explosive plays.
Of course, don't expect the imbeciles on this thread to see reality...you can't fix stupid, which most NFL fans are...dumb as bricks. Love to be fooled by billion dollar corporations that could care less about them, and take their money and laugh all the way to the bank about about how stupid NFL fans are...
Nah they want that 3 peat I’m sure if they win again this season the DB coach will be gone he was linked with the 49ers DC position this last off season
@@ricosuave3377I really hope Merritt doesn't leave even if he does get a DC/HC opportunity. He's the reason the Chiefs have cranked out so many solid defensive backs across the last decade or so
Is dropping DEs or even sometimes DTs to Flat or H/C really efficient? I agree that it can be effective to trick QBs to determine coverages, but from defensive point of views, I am not quite sure if that can actually make a big defensive effectiveness.
Looks like over all no. But because rushers are coming free qbs have only a short time to diagnos if a lineman is dropping and who their responsibility is. Without the pressure it's an easy completion
The difference between a good play and a sack is less than a second. It's like the triangle offense that the Bulls/Lakers used to run. By the time you figure it out Jordan/Kobe has already run past you and dunked it. If you did it every play, you are correct that it would be easily exploited. But with a Spags defense, nothing is ever as it seems, and he loves hybrid players that sit in the DE/LB or LB/S so they know exactly what to do in either position. That and understanding how to manipulate an offensive line to create mismatches, with just enough normal football to keep teams honest, makes this defense an absolute nightmare for the QB and offensive line to deal with.
To piggyback TF's answer, it is situationally sound. Keep in mind the opposing QB keeps second guessing which route could work because the safeties keep moving. The corners at the line WILL press the receivers and play them tight so anticipation on the routes will need more time to throw. DEs/DTs dropping also gives a mismatch on protection since a O-lineman isn't covering a downhill defender. All this just to make the QB hold onto the ball for more than 2.5 seconds out of confusion and Spags doing his job well.
hi, are any? some? all these schemes computer generated? AS the game progresses, Do they put the offensives schemes in a computer to facilitate defense match ups? What must the average I.Q. of a player be to effectively carry out his assignments???
I think of Phil Jackson's triangle offense or the Piston's Jordan rules. The players master the schemes and nuances within the system and work on it in practice with game film for each opponent incorporating a game plan for any given opponent.
There are the analytics that coaches use more on scoring decisions within the game but as far as in game adjustments, play in & play out, the plays are called by the coordinators & coaches, but with AI on the rise, it wouldn't surprise me if a computer generated robot or what not was created to call plays. Just thinking out loud.
@@samstewart4807 I doubt it. Scheme simplicity itself is just a part of what makes a great defense. Having the right athletes to execute and elevate the scheme matter just as much. Especially with how often Spag's has his safeties rotate pre and post snap often. That itself is already causing most QBs to second guess the ideal route to beat what coverage they end up seeing in the end. Add to the fact the more they hang onto the ball, the higher risk they have getting mauled when the Chiefs are rushing 5+ guys that aren't your typical linemen.
You also need to have Nick Bolton or someone of his caliber to make this work. Weak LB rob that can't transition like this will just result in a mess. Who said Dallas? 😂😂😂
What do you want to see a video on next?
Predict the Chiefs Buccs Score ⬇⬇⬇
28-17 chiefs
Keep breaking down offensive and defensive schemes and individual players love this❤
Kliff, KOC, Eberflus
a vid on match coverage break down vs trips and bunch sets
or a little breakdown replying to this comment lol
Can you do a break down if the Bears 46 and how similar is it to the Chiefs defence?
The chiefs remind me so much of the 2000s and 2010s patriots in how they evolve their schemes depending on their personel. You saw years where the offense was torching the league but you also saw years where the defense carried the team and several years where it was a balaned team. Hate them or love them they always found ways to maximize their talent
This has been my comparison too! Especially this year where they've beaten teams every which way
@ThinkingFootball A lot of people are quick to blame the refs but I believe Tom Brady articulated it the best. He said the main reason Chiefs are winning (outside of a great defense) is that rarely if ever have negative plays on offense, always prepared every week, and never make mental errors when the game is on the line
@@BenEnlet29 Yes. Everyone's been bringing up that "positive play" stat, recently. Brady wasn't the first one I heard that from. It's the one thing they're the best at, out of all the stats. One of those graphics, where they show all the RBs on one chart, Kareem is all by himself in never losing yardage.
Offense stagnating between passable-red hot also reminds me of the 2000-2010 eagles teams
@@tylerd1297You didn't see the Eagles winning Superbowls in that time frame...
HUGE shoutout to these position coaches and players too!
ok we been knowing spags is a deranged mad genius, but its insane that the chiefs managed to find at least another 20 guys just as lunatic as him who are capable of teaching and executing such an insanely complicated defense
I'll maintain that a big part of unlocking the true psycho Spags was Tyrann Mathieu. Honey Badger set the attitude and expectation that this kind of concept thrives on. It's lived on even after he went to the Saints (and the players and coaches have said as much) It's just a complete culture shift. Don't get me wrong there were players before that embodied it and showed out, but when Honey Badger came the whole mindset of the defense just went from "bend don't break" to "break them."
The Tyreek Hill trade for picks was pivotal. It helped accelerate the Chiefs ability to rebuild their defensive roster focusing on specific skillset players in day 2-3. Good FA signings as well with Justin Reid (who replaced Mathieu) and Omenihu. Most their DBs are from the draft are physical and can play press pretty well. Also helps they work well as blitzers too.
I'm sure it's been said but huge shout out to DB coach Dave Merritt as well. The scheme is insane, it only works because we have underrated smart beasts like Leo Chenal, Tranquil and Bolton at LB, but Dave Merritt time and time again gets our DBs up and running and physical in this defense. Front doesn't work with out the back and visa versa, but Chiefs have continually rotated through young CBs in this concept and it's continued to work. Impressive work all around. Fantastic video!
The level all the corners play at no matter whose on the field is a huge testament both Merritt and Spags
In 2022, the Chiefs drafted 7 defensive players and acquired Justin Reid in free agency. Those 8 guys have combined for 12,936 defensive snaps across the past 2½ seasons and postseasons, or about ⅜ of the team's total defensive snaps-or, to put it another way, each snap the Chiefs have been on defense since the beginning of the 2022 season has featured an average of more than 4 players acquired in 2022.
I've told people that the Chiefs drafted, and put together with Reid, this secondary to match up with the Bengals receivers, specifically when they had Chase, Higgins, and Boyd, and if they, this secondary, can match up with that receiving core they can match up with any team's receiving core.
All made possible by the Tyreek trade... Thanks Tyreek!!! Hope you're enjoying the sun...😂
@@WilliamClark-uj1uohe is the best WR of the Reid/Chiefs era, by far. I don't believe they wanted to let him go, but the exploding WR market forced them to pivot to defense more quickly than originally planned. It is obvious that had the trade not occurred, the offense would have remained much better but the defense would have suffered. You cannot argue though with the success. You cannot do better than back-to-back after the trade.
It’s so good you know you have mahomes so offense will always be good enough you just need insane defense and o line
@yisroelkonovitch they're learning to make due with what is available.
We have a saying here in KC. "In Spags We Trust"
Love the video man. Best one in the business for flim breakdown
In Spags we trust! Indeed.
After the Niners' last SB loss, Kyle and Lynch made Spags a big DC offer which Spags leveraged into a rich contract with the Chiefs. Spags would take a head coach job but only if the right owner offered. With the Chiefs going deep into the play offs every single season, most teams don't want to wait on a hire so the Chiefs benefit from great coaching continuity.
Spag's recent run with the Chiefs further cements his status as one of the best defensive minds in the last two decades or so. He was also the defensive mind responsible helping beat the 2007 historic Pats offense with a Giants D-line that became monstrous by the time the playoffs rolled in.
You often hear about Spags genius, but are rarely shown. As someone who doesn't have a ton of defensive scheme knowledge, I really appreciate this vid, man. Controlled chaos, to a tee. I'm not sure how a QB can read what's about to happen when things could come from anywhere, and the D is basically telling your own OL what to do. Even with all the trickery, it's awesome how fast everyone can still play.
Also, no wonder Mahome's is a defense-reading savant. He has to practice against this. Spags in a recent podcast talked about how he will ask Mahomes what he thinks of new Def plays, and if it's confusing enough haha.
Spags is a genius but you have to have the personel to run this type of defense... It took him years to build this chiefs defense
They get better every year through the course of the year. The D was stellar in the playoffs in his first year. Just been the last few years were the D has been filled with players drafted to be "Spags Guys"
Underrated and unappreciated coach but us chiefs kingdom appreciate him
in the modern NFL, teams draft offense early in rounds, leaving chiefs to draft defense at the end of each round. this is one of the concessions that the chiefs have had to make in order to keep winning. Spags, Cullen, Merritt have coached up their guys and home grown this defense over the last five years. your video displays its beauty in motion.
Spags has been putting on a defensive masterclass all year 🔥
I really think the biggest strength of the defense is stonewalling every running back they see. Blitzing is a lot easier when teams have to pass on 3rd and long because they're averaging 2 yards per rush.
They definitely wouldn't be undefeated without the defense. But, they also wouldn't be undefeated without Mahomes. His 4th quarter play/stats prove it. Highest 4th quarter QBR in the league.
The Chiefs organization is world class.
@@sgtbaker81Besides ownership. Greedy fuck Hunt is stopping this organization from being even better by being cheap.
Similar way how Les Snead/McVay built the version of the Rams that would win the SB. Defensively they were set having the right pieces to build around one of the best defensive players of the decade in Aaron Donald. They just needed the right QB for McVay to execute the vision of the offense where he needed someone with an arm to go downfield more especially under pressure.
Video idea: Choose who you think is one of the best players at each position across all NFL teams & breakdown why you feel that way, what makes them so good, & define/showcase attributes about their game that's unique, innovative, fundamentally sound, demonstrates high football IQ, &/or anything you'd like to talk about regarding the player?
Love this, might have to make a TF all pro video
@@ThinkingFootball Have you ever made a video about 'being multiple' concept in modern football? Y'know the idea of having 2-3 guys in different positions do multiple roles? Like how the Lions have 2 RBs. But also underneath pass catching threats from Sun God/Laporta/Gibbs. And situationally their athletic OLs get involved too. Commanders take their run game to a new level with Daniels/B-Rob Jr/Eckeler (also a pass catcher) and McNichols. Their intermediate pass game is solid too with Ertz and their other receivers. Also helps McLaurin is the all around receiver as well.
this channel kicks ass
I mean this is THE best analysis anywhere. Better than NFL Network. Better than ESPN.
Dude. You are HIM.
I love this, such a great, easy-to-understand, breakdown. Good visuals and good explanations!
dude is schooling us, great content
Great video! I always look forward to your stuff. Incredibly interesting and informative content.
That video was outstanding. What a great breakdown. You can see the late Jim Johnson's influence on his scheme. Kudos to the young players executing these complex tactics.
this video is excellent! It's a nice change to see a elite defense in KC. In Spags we trust!
first off.. your voice belongs in some sort of commercial/narration etc. second of.. your knowledge and breakdown just opened some eyes for people who dont get it. insta sub!
It's not just Andy, Kelce and Pat. That defense is winning games. Last year in the playoffs went into Buffalo and Baltimore and won.
Their defense is the embodiment of the phrase “bend but don’t break”
Man I couldn’t do nothing but laugh. Who tf drops the DT in coverage???? This man is diabolical 😂😂😂😂😂😂
This why the chiefs have the best defence in football, period. Stats might not say so, but tape doesn’t lie.
Spags is the goat #Chiefskingdom ❤️
AND a top 5 offense, stats doesnt say that but the chiefs are playing textbook football all around. And I cant be more happier about that
I dont know nayyhing bout defence im quite new to football but this was fun to watch
Great video man, as always. How do you defend against this as an offense? Obviously lineman can't just ignore apparent blitzers pre snap because they think pressure is usually coming from somewhere else, so how would they ever know where to slide?
Your breakdowns are on 10 brother!!!
Spagnuolo looks like he cares about stopping pass plays, stopping run plays, and his wife and family.
In that order.
First of all, love your voice it’s very calming and second of all, you are 100% right, this defense is absolutely why the chiefs keep winning
Spags is a disciple of the late Jim Johnson and keeps his spirit alive with his defense.
jim johnson still lives
So true!! I made the same comment before I had a chance to read yours. You can see the late JJ's finger prints all over Spags scheme.
@@jayfisher7726 it almost seems unreal that one of his proteges would go on to create a dynasty with andy reid, same HC he made his lasting legacy with in philly
Just like how brady faced a ton of hate throughout his career, with excuse after excuse about how he didnt earn his success we are now seeing that with Mahomes. Lets see him win another one amidst it all
Tom Brady once called Steve Spagnuolo the bane of his existence. Think about that.
Love your content! Glad to see another video, keep them coming.
IMO KC has the best staff ever top to bottom
Fabulous essay presentation. Many thanks.
Love Spaggs He is doing a great Job But In Suttons defense they never give him the 1st rd picks like Spaggs got But Spaggs is doing a great job
I hope assistant coaches get to be eligible for hall of fame.
NFL must change the broadcasting camera, switching to all-22 as main camera to really appreciate defense
Or at least give it as an option like on Amazon and ESPN. This is why I love attending games in person. You can see so much more and your eyes can go where they desire. The best investment I make is the $99.99 for NFL plus because I can watch every game after Sunday (condensed, of course) and the All 22. And then REAL analysis like this! I liken it to being a chess enthusiast in Russia. I don't even gamble. 😂
@@MrDavidknigge Football is just Chess with bulldozers
In Spags we trust
I firmly believe with this run with the chiefs, Steve Spagnuolo has cemented himself as one of the great defensive coordinators of all time.
But he was terrible before he got the golden boy's team to coach...
Excellent video. I love it when I have things to watch for on Sundays
Many QBs nowadays are picked for physical attributes first rather than mental processing time, and having a coach show them 8 variants of a Spags blitz probably mentally wears on them, putting more doubt and hesitation, than if they hadn't been shown.
Even then Spag's philosophy even against those physical guys is to let them hold onto the ball longer through confusion and indecision. Worse case they run the ball themselves for less than a chunk play. But they won't feed their star playmakers or running backs to get their offense in rhythm.
Just got a sub and going to use that extra daylight savings hour to watch some more.
This channel is well worth the sub. Dude does an amazing job at breaking down complex schemes in an understandable way.
At this point in time investing more money and attention into the defense is more important. The offense can have inconsistencies and some 3 and outs but the defense just can't be allowed to have these same inconsistencies.
It can also be said that the Chiefs having stability at QB/RB/O-line (interior)/super pro DT (Chris Jones) that it makes it easier for the GM to improve the defense by finding specific skillets for defensive players in day 2-3. Besides McDuffie who hit as a late 1st round corner and the safety Cook, other DBs they got including Sneed (who now plays for the Titans) are day 3 picks. Other good day 2 defensive picks besides Bolton were Karlaftis whose not a great athlete and Chenal whose a big LB that is valuable in Spag's system.
This channel is amazing, keep up the good work bro
What the Chiefs defense has been doing is amazing and the perfect compliment to Reid's offense, Spagnolo deserves a ton of credit. This will likely continue until someone figures out how to shut down that offense.
Spagnolo is not a genius though, it appears that way with Mahomes on the team. If Spags goes to a new team as a HC and assumed to be a genius, I doubt his defense will work. He would be smart to just stay right where he is and keep winning SBs.
That being said, I hope he goes to the Jets as the next HC. 🤣
That will be the end of the Chiefs as the Alpha.
Also remember that Patrick mahomes is rated as the best clutch player this year. His stats suck, but his 4th quarter stats and production are top 3 in the NFL this year. So the defense keeps it close, and the mahomes produces in the 4th quarter
That’s because he’s saving himself for the playoffs. He’s at that point where he’s so good that he doesn’t have to go super saiyan in every game and can trust the defense to make a stop for him. Our lord need not flaunt his power in trifling times.
You're not wrong, but would the defense have to keep it close if he wasn't mediocre for most of the game?
@@dieterschmidt5282 No. But like all great players, Patrick rises to the occasion when the need is greatest - third down and fourth quarter. A player cannot give his very best on every single play and every situation. If they tried, they wouldn't have it when needed. The same goes for Chris Jones and Travis Kelce.
It helps when the officials give you every important late game call that decides the game...Mahomes has gotten EVERY ONE of those this year...
@ClassicJukeboxBand if I thought that was true, I'd give up on the NFL.
McDuffie is amazing at hiding his presence during the blitz. He often slides behind one of the bigger players to fool both the O-line and QB into thinking there's only one rusher there when there's actually two. He's also fast as hell and can be on top of a QB before they even see him coming.
This guys vocabulary and how he uses words is underrated
wish you would've discussed how good their run defense was as well
You have by far the best football channel on RUclips, next to Brett Kollman. There's actual deep analysis here, but presented in an engaging and lively video format. It fits such a niche in the market of thinking about football, between the wannabe NFL scouts who put up unedited 20 minute video monologues about a quarterback and the other crew who simply say "There's no answer to the Lions, they're unstoppable!" with a bunch of highlights and no analysis.
There are others but in a sense guys like Brett, TF, Billy Stephens and a few others helped me approach some content like QB School's who is geared more on film study in the perspective of the QB. But I also watch those 20~30+ minute videos on 1.5~2x playback speed.
Spags deserves far more credit than he gets.
He gets a crazy amount of credit which will continue with winning. Injuries are beginning to stack though. Hopefully they have enough wins to recover.
If people just take a moment to see Spag's coaching history, he's cemented enough credit for himself to deserve his flowers. Deluded homers/Box score/Parlay fans won't really care because they don't ever look at the game that way.
@t4d0W not to mention fantasy fanatics.
Closest thing to Jim Johnson these days imo, Spags is great. Love this guy, even as an Eagles fan, unless were playing his defense.
Excellent presentation
As a Giants fan, Spags makes me remember the good old days, god I wish our defense was as good as back then
They’re both even good this season which is the most aggravating part
I will say that Carr did literally EVERYthing right on that one throw that he dropped in his recievers lap.
Incredible throw!
Good man corners and a dominant DT enables so much LoL.
liked and subscribed, awesome video.
In Spags,we trust.
I guarantee you, if Mahomes wasn't there, Spagnulo would suck.
Great video. I learned a lot.
7:38 that play specifically wasn’t supposed to be a zero blitz. Spagz confirmed with GMF that there was supposed to be a safety in deep coverage, but the players saw something he didn’t and made the play adjustment in real time to bring extra heat.
Scary to think about, not only do you have to worry about Spagz made genius but also his players too
Someone else mentioned in the comments that in 2022 the Chiefs acquired 7 defensive players in the draft along with Justin Reid in the FA. 8 of those players account for about 13k snaps together in the span of 2.5 years including playoffs. That experience and continuity matters A LOT for defenses in the NFL that usually experience a load of variance for results every year.
Would love to see how Ryans (Texans) is maximizing talent despite all the injuries, having one of the best defenses and ALSO what's going wrong with the offense.
The crazy thing about the fake over-look is you’d think teams would know that and just run the ball the opposite way. But chiefs D is so talented it doesn’t matter which way you run the ball.
8:48 i just read an article on hot quarters as its universally called but you explain it to a t what the defense is and the sometimes unguard the flats bc they see it as a non threat
We made a whole video on hot quarters! Go check out our video on Brian Flores
U gotta do one on Jesse Minter too. Bro turned a bottom 5 defense last year into the #1 scoring defense this year with a lot of the same players plus low level fa's and rookies
You can watch the preview with the Mike MacDonald video he did months ago. They are both from the same school of sim pressure looks/blitzing philosophy utilized by Rex Ryan/Dean Pees/Rick Minter (Jesse's dad). They even got to show off that aspect serving as defensive coordinators for Michigan (Minter with more recent tape of it from last season).
EDIT: Chargers YT did a preview on this 2 months ago with a familiar face explaining the basics.
Try Cole Breaks The Huddle.
Very nice video. Subbed
NASCAR 2.0 ! Good breakdown of Spags schemes!
I'm trying to get hold of the NASCAR defense tape - definitely a retro breakdown coming
How do you draw on nfl plus film
Feel like the raiders should see this coming 1:57 based on the secondary’s alignment. After the safety rolled down they’d be STUPID to blitz from the 3 receiver side
instead of using the RB to block, use him to find the open space on the side for a quick throw... that will force the defense to change and rush less... or have two RB one for blocking and make the other run to the side where there single coverage.
Oh believe me, they do. That's why teams the employ good pass catching backs and TEs often have some success. But Spags will use counter-measures and occasionally you will see an opponent take a drive ending loss having been out guessed.
GREAT VIDEO!!
maybe a vid on the difference in jeff hafley and joe barry's impact on packers defense
All of their wide receivers have been hurt so it's nice to have a defense that wins games for them.
So how does all the defense guys know where to go on each play? I guess Bolton tells them the defensive coverage since he has the green dot. I’m guessing they memorize many types of coverages and give it a name.
You often will see middle linebackers on any given team barking out calls to the defense and changing them to adjust to motion or alignment changes of the offense on any given play. That's my 2 cents. What do you think?
Keep in mind Spags only shows the blitz looks on late passing downs (for the most part). Not worth unleashing 5+ bodies and dropping back D-line men when the QB isn't really dropping back to pass. More than likely Spags default blitz look is the one early in the video where he overloads the strong side but actually rushes guys from the weak side. Then adjustments are made based on the tendencies of the offense and where the QB is looking to get the ball at. The back end (DBs/safeties) have their set of responsibilities of course (unless they are blitzing) but probably have their own set of rules depending if they end up being split safety or 1 high safety.
Ugh I agree I wish more DCs double the best WR idk why few do this
AFC West as the best defensive division? Broncos, Chargers and Chiefs are all elite
You’re onto something man 💪🏾
It's a tough battle between the NFC North and AFC West with the AFC north just behind them
I thought I was going to see pictures of REF's and a Defense!!
just to think the fanbase HATED spags a couple years ago, and now he's the talk of the league.
Because he's a crappy coach that the NFL is helping because they want Mahomes back in the Superbowl...Bill Belichick also forgot how to coach when Brady left...
I find that hard to believe. Even when the defense was middle of the road with the talents they had before 2022, Spags always had the unit peaking as very good against the run. With Chris Jones being the key anchor for run defense AND winning 1 on 1 with pass pressures.
@@t4d0W go back around the loss to the bucs in the superbowl. that whole season people were questioning his legitimacy.
@@mdlassel Those 'fanbase' folks actually didn't watch the game to realize Mahomes didn't have an O-line to keep him from running and making off platform throws. Plus the defensive roster was doing all it can with only Jones as the legit guy. Considering the defense talent had guys like Sorensen who was always getting torched on coverage for good reason. Sounds more like casual folks looking for someone to scapegoat why the Chiefs under performed against the Brady Bucs collective.
@ yup. agree
In spags we trust
As a chiefs fan they blitz a lot! It’s scary because one miscalculation equals a td for the other team.
It clearly doesn’t mean that. How many explosive plays do the Chiefs give up?
@ it can mean that. What you mean? Lmao leaving your guys one on one is risky. lol dude that is basic football. 😂😂 the chiefs don’t give up a lot of explosive plays.
The defensive coaches tell the players that you figure this scheme out, and you can play in any scheme in the league.
Dang! Wish this could translate to Madden? That would be cold blooded if he could compare the two?
This is what you get from a total team effort from the front office to the equipment manager. 7-0!!!
Can you do a breakdown on the Ravens defense & how putrid they look? I swear Zach Orr has them looking horrible
Try Cole Breaks The Huddle for wider NFL coverage.
Thw Chief's best weapons are the 💥Zebras ! 🤣
Ask your team to quit being stupid at crunch time.
Tell your team to stop committing stupid early down penalties from the O-line.
@t4d0W they have greatly improved.
Of course, don't expect the imbeciles on this thread to see reality...you can't fix stupid, which most NFL fans are...dumb as bricks. Love to be fooled by billion dollar corporations that could care less about them, and take their money and laugh all the way to the bank about about how stupid NFL fans are...
It’s not easy finding defenders that can drop to cover well. Backers doing primo work
have any of their position coaches on D gone on to be defensive coordinators on other teams?
Nah they want that 3 peat I’m sure if they win again this season the DB coach will be gone he was linked with the 49ers DC position this last off season
@@ricosuave3377I really hope Merritt doesn't leave even if he does get a DC/HC opportunity. He's the reason the Chiefs have cranked out so many solid defensive backs across the last decade or so
The defense only got good last season before it was terrible
some have gotten interviewed i think, but none have gotten jobs.
@@dfp_01he said he is staying until his son graduates from HS
So tired of this team. I think the league will have a problem if they keep winning.
Can you do a break down of the 46
If I ever get hold of the Film I definitely will
When he was DC of the Saints he gave us our worst defensive season ever.
The people behind these wins is goodell and the stripes. They are handed more games then any other team in history.
Lol, okay bud.
The Patriots got more handed to them, because their dynasty lasted longer, but the Chiefs may catch up soon...
can we get a video on bryce young? on maybe why he isnt excelling in his offense or if hes a real bust or just has a bad cast
Try Cole Breaks The Huddle for wider NFL content.
Is dropping DEs or even sometimes DTs to Flat or H/C really efficient? I agree that it can be effective to trick QBs to determine coverages, but from defensive point of views, I am not quite sure if that can actually make a big defensive effectiveness.
Does this video not answer your question?
When called as third down blitzes - yes, very
Looks like over all no. But because rushers are coming free qbs have only a short time to diagnos if a lineman is dropping and who their responsibility is. Without the pressure it's an easy completion
The difference between a good play and a sack is less than a second. It's like the triangle offense that the Bulls/Lakers used to run. By the time you figure it out Jordan/Kobe has already run past you and dunked it. If you did it every play, you are correct that it would be easily exploited. But with a Spags defense, nothing is ever as it seems, and he loves hybrid players that sit in the DE/LB or LB/S so they know exactly what to do in either position. That and understanding how to manipulate an offensive line to create mismatches, with just enough normal football to keep teams honest, makes this defense an absolute nightmare for the QB and offensive line to deal with.
@@citizenkang01Uche is another versatile piece to further complicate matters for the opposing QB.
To piggyback TF's answer, it is situationally sound. Keep in mind the opposing QB keeps second guessing which route could work because the safeties keep moving. The corners at the line WILL press the receivers and play them tight so anticipation on the routes will need more time to throw. DEs/DTs dropping also gives a mismatch on protection since a O-lineman isn't covering a downhill defender. All this just to make the QB hold onto the ball for more than 2.5 seconds out of confusion and Spags doing his job well.
same with the patriots. always a lackluster offense, and a generational defense
Did you watch the 2010, 2011, 2013, 2017 patriota seasons?those were mediocre defenses, at best
The Chiefs are a top 10 offense. #9 in ppg scored.
@@AndreLeitedaSilvaGaldinohow many of those years did they win the bowl?
@@ligmaemperor7064goalposts moving at its finest
hi, are any? some? all these schemes computer generated? AS the game progresses, Do they put the offensives schemes in a computer to facilitate defense match ups? What must the average I.Q. of a player be to effectively carry out his assignments???
I think of Phil Jackson's triangle offense or the Piston's Jordan rules. The players master the schemes and nuances within the system and work on it in practice with game film for each opponent incorporating a game plan for any given opponent.
@@joshuaj.2108 u did not answer the qestion
Nope, everything is preplanned and taught as rules/coverages that they learn
You need to be smart to play football
There are the analytics that coaches use more on scoring decisions within the game but as far as in game adjustments, play in & play out, the plays are called by the coordinators & coaches, but with AI on the rise, it wouldn't surprise me if a computer generated robot or what not was created to call plays. Just thinking out loud.
@@samstewart4807 I doubt it. Scheme simplicity itself is just a part of what makes a great defense. Having the right athletes to execute and elevate the scheme matter just as much. Especially with how often Spag's has his safeties rotate pre and post snap often. That itself is already causing most QBs to second guess the ideal route to beat what coverage they end up seeing in the end. Add to the fact the more they hang onto the ball, the higher risk they have getting mauled when the Chiefs are rushing 5+ guys that aren't your typical linemen.
You also need to have Nick Bolton or someone of his caliber to make this work. Weak LB rob that can't transition like this will just result in a mess. Who said Dallas? 😂😂😂
it defintely ain't the bum they got under center