Sophomore Slump? Not for the Chiefs defense.

Looking through the (way too) early numbers to see how the second-year defenders are performing

Through three weeks of the 2023 Kansas City Chiefs season, the defense has been the best unit on the team. Read that again, pinch yourself (you're not dreaming) and read it a third time to fully let that sink in.

This Chiefs team is built around its offense, and there's little indication to think that this offense won't resume their role as the driving factor on this team. But for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, this Chiefs defense will not succumb to "second fiddle" status without a serious fight. The defense has carried this team through two games (one win, one loss) and performed about as well as a defense can this week, given the quality of the opponent.

With that in mind, today's dive into the defense won't be focused on terrific performances against the Bears by individuals or coaches, but instead will dig into some exceptional season long numbers for the Chiefs second-year defenders – albeit in an early state.