Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has handled this time of year well throughout his career in the NFL. He knows how to get his team ready for the end of the season in time for the playoffs, and he discussed it with reporters on Thursday.

“Well, one of the things (that) we try to do is simplify at times. I think sometimes, when you simplify, you play faster. There’s been a little bit of that direction this week.” said Spagnuolo. “We’re always going to be multiple because we believe in putting pressure on the team that we’re playing, but if everybody can just be on point and just stay in their lane and do their job – we talk about that all the time. When we play our best is when the unit chemistry is like that (meshed hands together), not anybody trying to do their own thing. We haven’t had a lot of that this year, so if we can get back to that and not make those mental errors, I think we’ll be okay.”

The Chiefs defense has earned the praise it has received this season, but it knows it needs to improve in pass rush and takeaways if it wants a realistic chance at a three-peat.