'Special' defensive stops are praised by Patrick Mahomes after the KC Chiefs' Week 8 win

Stop me if you've heard this before: Steve Spagnuolo's Kansas City Chiefs defense has answered the call and delivered a top-notch performance when needed. This has been evident seemingly countless times over the last few seasons, but on Sunday it was the case once again.

In Kansas City's triumph over the Las Vegas Raiders, the team achieved a balanced victory over a bitter division rival. However, there were several moments where the momentum seemed to tip and required someone to respond and nip this in the bud.

One of those was after an ugly interception in the third quarter by the Chiefs offense. On a first-and-16 from the 2-yard line, quarterback Patrick Mahomes' pass was tipped as he released it out of the end zone. Defensive back Tre'von Moehrig made the pick and subsequent return, setting up Las Vegas for a first-and-goal from the 3-yard line.

Although he had three chances to score And When the Raiders tried on fourth down, they couldn't make anything happen and turned the ball over on downs. Mahomes, confident in the defense, didn't even feel the need to address it before that four-and-out.

“I didn’t do that, but these guys rose to the challenge,” Mahomes said. “That obviously put them in a terrible position after they hit the tip. Not only did they get that stop, I think it changed the dynamic of the entire game. They kind of came back in the second half and were firing on all cylinders and stuff. “They had to get the stop and then we had this long drive that ended in a field goal, but it kind of changed the momentum and then we were able to get the win from there.”

That wasn't the only time Spagnuolo's crew rose to the occasion. With defensive end George Karlaftis in possession of the ball before the biggest stop, he sacked Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew on third-and-goal to force a field goal. In the final frame, defensive tackle Mike Pennel sacked Minshew and forced a fumble, which the Chiefs recovered. The offense ended the game with a touchdown drive.

Mahomes has never been happier to benefit from a reliable defense.

“I think the greatest thing about the defense and this entire team is that whenever you call his number, that guy steps up and makes the play,” Mahomes said. “That applies to the entire team, but especially to the defense in situations like today. They had a good drive at the start of the game and our defense, we lost all the momentum and they were able to – in a bad situation – and the entire unit. “When their number was called, that's what great football teams need. It can't be one guy that has made us so great in my entire career. It's not just about me, it's not just about Trav (Travis Kelce), it's about the entire team and that's what makes it so special. “

Entering Week 8, the Chiefs ranked ninth in EPA per game given up on defense at -0.07. Since Las Vegas averages exactly the same amount (rbsdm.com) shouldn't change much on Sunday. As of Monday morning, Kansas City ranks among the top five defenses in both points allowed and yards allowed. Combined with the ability to consistently determine clutch torque, a year-on-year decline is a moot point for now.

The football world certainly didn't need another example of a Chiefs team-wide win, but they got one anyway.

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