Oct 4, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 36-21. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
First off, the Chiefs welcomed back two key defensive players in Derrick Johnson and Mike DeVito. These injuries can, and have, destroyed a player’s career and they have had to quit. Johnson and DeVito made a shocking recovery and have returned to the type of defensive play makers they were just a short year before. The fact that the heart of the middle of the Chiefs defense is back, and playing at a high level should be reason alone to have heart, which leads us to perhaps the biggest reason this team has heart.
Sep 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) enters the field before the game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. The Broncos won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Berry. Just those first two words should be reason enough that every player on this team should be fired up during games. Berry was diagnosed with cancer and was not sure when he would be back on the field. The treatments should have weakened Berry, but in fact did not stop him, as he was able to make a huge turnaround. He has been an inspiration to people everywhere including his teammates. He is back on the field and has returned to his previous form, lighting up opposing players with big time hits. He alone should be the heart of this defense.
The amount of overall talent that is on this team should alone be enough to ignite them. They are loaded top to bottom with good players, some elite, and they are too talented to be playing this way, period.
The lack of heart displayed by this team during the last three games in unthinkable just a few short weeks ago. Something needs to change for them in order for them to turn this sinking ship around. But where does that turning point lie?
Next: Where does it all start?