NEW ORLEANS — Occasionally, during a crucial moment when the opposing offense is least prepared, Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid stealthily inches closer to the line of scrimmage. As the ball is snapped, he launches himself toward the quarterback, resembling a bolt of lightning.
While it may appear effortless from the stands, Reid’s blitzing technique involves a complex strategy. Timing plays a significant role, but equally important is how the defensive linemen engage with the offensive line, the deceptive coverage tactics employed by the secondary, and the way outside pass rushers apply pressure to the quarterback, effectively funneling him into Reid’s grip.
At the helm of this intricate defensive scheme is Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator. As he shapes Kansas City’s bid to return to the Super Bowl, he has been in discussions with multiple teams regarding open head coaching positions.
“He’s amazing,” Reid remarked prior to the Super Bowl rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles. “In my first year here, I was blown away by the volume of pressures, cover-zeros, and simulated pressures. Initially, it felt overwhelming, but with practice, it becomes addictive. You start thinking, ‘Let’s add even more; let’s try something we haven’t executed before.’”
The idea that there are still new strategies to explore seems almost hard to fathom.
The elaborate defensive playbook filled with innovative blitzes crafted by Spagnuolo is a major factor in why the Chiefs find themselves facing the Eagles once more on the NFL’s grandest stage.
“I have a great appreciation for this defense. Spags has our unwavering trust,” said Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. “They are fundamentally sound, give their all every game, and pour their hearts into the performance.”
In the early phases of their championship journey, the Chiefs’ defense was often a liability, relying on Patrick Mahomes and a potent offense to cover any gaps. However, the arrival of Spagnuolo alongside the initiatives taken by general manager Brett Veach, which included investing in free agents and making strategic draft picks, transformed the defensive unit. It has evolved into one of the leading defenses in the league, particularly excelling in run defense this season.
This strength may prove crucial as they aim to contain Eagles running back Saquon Barkley during the championship showdown.
To combat the aerial threats, blitzing becomes essential. These aggressive maneuvers can originate from any layer of the defense, applying pressure at unpredictable moments. The uniform element is their effectiveness.
“He doesn’t blitz on every play,” noted Chiefs coach Andy Reid. “Some may label him primarily a ‘blitz guy,’ but it’s all about timing and understanding protections or run schemes for those blitzes. His grasp of the overall strategy and the judicious application of it is what makes him remarkable and contributes to their success.”
The Kansas City defense’s achievements, coupled with Spagnuolo’s approachable demeanor, have earned him a fan-following, motivating teams like the Jets and Jaguars to consider him for their coaching vacancies.
Spagnuolo had a previous shot at head coaching with the Rams from 2009 to 2011, posting a challenging record of 10-38. The circumstances, however, were less than ideal due to instability at quarterback and the team undergoing a significant rebuild.
Andy Reid wishes for his longtime friend to receive another coaching opportunity. While waiting for that chance to arise, he values the consistency that Spagnuolo and much of the defensive staff bring to the organization.
“They have an intricate understanding of the scheme. Spags trusts them, and they trust him,” Reid elaborated. “Attentiveness in meetings, diligent practices, and effective walkthroughs are crucial. However, it all culminates in game-day execution. There’s a foundation built on trust among these players, and they’ve fostered it well.”
“Similarly, I hold great confidence in Spags. In challenging situations, I don’t feel compelled to intervene. My long-standing partnership with him reassures me he will make the right judgment calls.”
