Chiefs vs Lions: Four vital takeaways from a gut-wrenching loss

Defensive Credit is Due

Chris Jones was out. Other players came in injured. The Lions came in roaring. The Chiefs defense stepped up considerably.

From the first series of the game, it was clear the Chiefs were going to put up a stronger defensive showing than perhaps anyone would have predicted. What made it even more amazing was how consistent the team was defensively throughout the entire game. The team's better defenders did what you'd expect but role players also stepped up with strong execution to put up a tremendous showing in primetime.

Consider that the Chiefs would have pitched a shutout through three quarters if the Lions hadn't converted a trick play on a fake punt or if Toney hadn't allowed a pass to slip through his hands. Take this exhibit as evidence:

This is great news for the Chiefs going forward because this unit was very young when they won a Super Bowl just a year ago. With that championship experience underneath their belt, impact performers like linebacker Nick Bolton, cornerback Trent McDuffie, and defensive end George Karlaftis are going to give this team more margin than any time in Mahomes' tenure as starter.