Part 3/7:

Key Defensive Plays that Shaped the Game

The Chiefs' defensive performance included a series of pivotal plays that disrupted Houston’s game plan. Notable performances came from players like Drew Tranquil, who set the edge effectively, and Chris Jones, who consistently made tackles for loss. These collective efforts led to numerous unfavorable situations for the Texans, solidifying the Chiefs' ability to apply pressure while maintaining a disciplined run defense.

Spagnuolo utilized aggressive blitzing schemes in known passing situations, which further complicated matters for Houston's rookie quarterback, CJ Stroud. While Stroud displayed flashes of brilliance on third down, the overall struggles of the Texans' offense were indicative of a defense that capitalized on every opportunity.