While much has been discussed regarding the offense's lack of explosive plays and injuries, what has been vastly overlooked is the performance of the defense. Through the first three weeks of the season, they have played like one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Currently, the unit boasts a superstar in Chris Jones, who has seen his share of double teams, a budding star in Trent McDuffie, and a roster full of good, solid players. What defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has done with this group so far has been impressive.
They've been very effective against the run, but the job the secondary did—specifically in containing Malik Nabers—was certainly worth noting.
In the most recent game against the Giants, the Chiefs' stout defense allowed them to convert on only 1 out of 10 third-down conversions. The defense made a statement against a Giants offense that possesses some talent, particularly by holding Malik Nabers to just two catches for 13 yards.
Chiefs defense shines early, with rookies Nohl Williams and Omarr Norman-Lott making key impacts.
Trent McDuffie's play is definitely garnering league-wide attention, but it was the solid performance of rookie Nohl Williams that opened several eyes, just as was predicted last week. For the second consecutive week, he graded out very well in coverage.
According to PFF, McDuffie led all defensive backs in coverage grades for the second week in a row. He brings an element to the secondary that it currently lacks: a bigger cornerback who can press and challenge larger receivers. Furthermore, he may possess the best ball skills of all the defensive backs.
Overall, he has been sticky in man coverage situations while showing great awareness in zone coverage. Williams' performance may have afforded Kristian Fulton all the time he needs to recover from injury.
Elsewhere on the defense, Bryan Cook has tackled extremely well, while Chamarri Conner has, for the most part, had moments of inconsistency.
Overall, the members of the secondary have played this well without consistent pass rush from the defensive front. George Karlaftis has been relatively effective but hasn't yet learned how to consistently master finishing his rush, thereby converting pressures into sacks.
However, another rookie, Omarr Norman-Lott, has been yet another standout contributor for a defense that has played as if they should be mentioned in the upper echelon of the NFL when discussing the league's best units.