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

“Well, one of the things (that) we try to do is simplify sometimes. I think sometimes when you simplify you play faster. It’s been a little bit of that direction this week.” Spagnuolo said. “We’re always going to be outnumbered because we believe in putting pressure on the team that we play, 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 chemistry of the unit is like that (connected hands), not someone trying to do their own thing. We haven’t had a lot of that this year, so if we can get back to it and not make those mental errors, I think we’ll be fine.”

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