Drue Tranquill extension dreams and other overreactions to Chiefs vs Raiders

Overreaction #3: The Chiefs' underrated defensive depth is championship-caliber

Matt Dickerson, this page is for you.

The Chiefs defense is getting plenty of praise through Week 12. The unit is one of the league's best, and their sustained success through Week 12 is proving it is no fluke. Several starters, like L'Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie, are earning a nationwide spotlight. The Chiefs' defense has always had some top-tier talent. What makes this unit different is its high-quality depth across the board. That trait alone makes me more confident about how far the defense can carry Kansas City.

I thought of Dickerson on Sunday because he had two tackles within three plays against the Raiders. Is that a lot? Not at all. But, Dickerson helped contain running back Josh Jacobs on both a run play and reception. The tackles came early in the fourth quarter, with the Raiders still very much in the game. Dickerson's ability to impact the drive, after being so far down the depth chart, made me appreciate the defensive depth a bit more.

Chiefs fans saw glimpses of hope from other depth players on Sunday as well. Rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah only played three snaps but recorded a hit on Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell. Jaylen Watson looked solid in both run and pass defense. Chamarri Conner recorded a career-high three tackles, a pressure, and lined up all over the field. He is getting more looks as another blitzing defensive back in Spagnuolo's scheme.

The defense is far from perfect, but the pros outweigh the cons on the Chiefs defense. The defensive depth only makes those at the depth chart's top shine even more.