Chiefs defense is looking in the mirror for a ‘killer instinct’

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo urged his unit to look in the mirror after surrendering an 11-point lead in a 28-24 defeat to the Denver Broncos. Spagnuolo described the fourth-quarter collapse as "sickening," noting that the defense failed in its responsibility to protect the fourth-quarter advantage by allowing two touchdowns across just 11 plays.

The Chiefs are tied for the fewest sacks in the NFL, having totaled only nine sacks on the season with just one coming on third down. Spagnuolo highlighted defensive end George Karlaftis leading the league in batted-down passes as a silver lining, while acknowledging the defense must generate more early-down sacks to close out tight games.