6. The Defensive Effort/Attitude
I debated what to call this, whether it deserved it’s own spot on the list, and/or just how high I should rank it. I almost combined this section with Steve Spagnuolo, but I really think it has more to do with the players than it does the coaches. The Chiefs defense isn’t always the most talented unit on the field, but you certainly wouldn’t want to tell them that. This unit has played with an attitude (or chip or effort or edge) all season.
When the game is on the line (especially in big games), this defense comes out with an attitude like they are the 1985 Chicago Bears or the Ray Lewis-era Baltimore Ravens. While their talent may not be even close to those teams, that effort and mindset does make a big difference. This team gets after opposing offenses. It’s in the way the defensive interior attacks the run and the defensive backs harass wide receivers.
Guys like Dan Sorensen will find a way to make a big play in a big moment, even when other players with more “talent” may not. Guys like Charvarius Ward and Bashaud Breeland can go from giving up a big pass one play to breaking up the next one like the miscue never happened. Even a guy who has had a down year like Frank Clark still plays with a huge chip on his shoulder and can make big plays like he did on Sunday.
Maybe you will take issue with me putting something abstract like this on the list, but I truly believe that the overall attitude of this defense is bigger than any other individual player that I could have ranked.
The edge and effort that this defense gives makes them better, and I firmly believe that it has a lot to do with the next guy on this list.