The Vindicator: Chiefs Tyrann Mathieu

The Vindicator: Chiefs Tyrann Mathieu – a lot has been said about the Kansas City Chiefs free agent Safety pickup, Tyrann Mathieu but in an era in which their defense has been much maligned, Mathieu has been “The One” to lead that defense out of the wilderness and into the lofty reaches of being called, one of the better defenses in the league. Don’t believe me, look:

At a time when the Chiefs have severed a long standing relationship with their much beloved hero, all-star, leader, and cancer conqueror, Eric Berry… Tyrann Mathieu has been just what the doctor ordered: one who leads us to the promised land.

That’s some lofty language so let’s see if you can handle more:

Mathieu: The Vanquished

A little background information is in order as Tyrann Mathieu was born to an absentee mother and a father who ended up in jail. So, he was raised by his grandparents. Personally, I’ve worked with many kids from broken homes and can say without a doubt that their path is the most difficult in our society to traverse… and come out on the other side as a successful and thriving adult. Consequently, Mathieu learned many of his lessons in life the hard way. His time at Louisiana State University (LSU) was no exception. In the meantime, Mathieu has always been a sensational athlete which he’s used to succeed.

By Mathieu’s sophomore season his play was so excellent that he was named the Most Valuable Player in the SEC Championship game… was a Heisman Finalist… was nicknamed the “Honey Badger” for his relentless style of play… won the Chuck Bednarik Award for the best Defensive Player in the Nation… and was a Consensus All-American. However, Mathieu was also suspended for one game for violating the School’s drug abuse policy and the next season was dismissed from the team for violation what was likely a rule that will be passe in 5 years dealing with marijuana.

Mathieu: The Vocal Leader

After being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, much at the suggestion of Patrick Peterson, who was Mathieu’s teammate at LSU years earlier, he went on to make the NFL All-Rookie team… then played out all for years of this rooke ideal in Arizona. The following year year went to the Houston Texans.

What has always been a constant for Mathieu is his willingness to speak up. Not shout, but speak up, and be heard. What has been mistaken for exceptional athleticism is his smarts. His ability to study and read defenses is the cerebral kind of leadership the Chiefs young defensive backfield has needed. If you don’t believe it… just ask Mathieu himself: “He’s a pros Pro, and a damn good student of game & he takes care of his body.” At 27 years old and with 5 seasons in the NFL under his belt for three different teams, Mathieu has been able to take what he’s learned and share it with the the Chiefs young pups. Which leads me to…

Mathieu: Coach on the Field

Mathieu shares what he knows with his teammates:

One of the skills that DB Coaches emphasize is stripping the ball away from WR by slipping your arm between theirs then ripping your arm away to get the ball to separate for the wideout. Mathieu is textbook:

Mathieu: Mentor to Juan Thornhill

While Mathieu can read and diagnose an offense and the routes coming at the defense, perhaps his biggest influence for the Chiefs is as a mentor to rookie Juan Thornhill.

There were times over the past two seasons, with Eric Berry standing on the sidelines, that he would attempt to impart his wisdom gained over years of experience… and that was limited because of his own inability to get on the field and actually show others how it’s done. Now, with Mathieu in the house, the Chiefs once again have a veteran who knows the ropes and is also willing to share that knowledge. The results have been excellent:

Mathieu: The Executioner

If you’re looking for the number one reason why the Chiefs pass defense has gone from #31 in passing yards allowed per game in 2018 to #11 in passing yards per game allowed this year, look no further than Tyrann Mathieu. Sure, Charvarius Ward is in his second season and doing well, and the additions of Bashaud Breeland and Morris Claiborne have been mostly positive… although Kendall Fuller has not been very good at times… the biggest booster shot in the arm of the defensive backfield has been inserting an All-Pro Safety like Mathieu. He’s meant everything to the way the back end of the defense executes each defensive possession.

I remember harping repeatedly on the idea that the lack of Safety support for the corners was the biggest reason why the 2018 defensive backfield was trash. Looks like that’s right but now that’s a problem fixed as you rarely see a K.C. CB without help over the top.

Mathieu: The Maturity

“Anytime you can play for an organization that has great history and a quarterback that’s going to take this league by storm… this was a no-brainer for me.”

From the first, Tyrann Mathieu has said all the right things and recognizes his place in the organization. From where he started out, his evolution has been fun to watch.

Mathieu: Pays it Forward

The measure of Tyrann Mathieu’s personal growth can be witnessed in all the giving back that he’s done.

Mathieu: The Aggressor

Perhaps Tyrann Mathieu’s most appealing attribute, if you’re a Chiefs fan, is his aggressiveness.

“Tyrann Mathieu is aggressive, rangy, and versatile. Steve Spagnuolo got himself a a weapon….” – Craig Stout

In last Sunday’s game against the Broncos, Mathieu was blitzing off the right side when QB Drew Lock moved up in the pocket to avoid him, but Tyrann used his speed to move and get another shot at Lock, so Lock took off upfield to the open spaces in front of him and Mathieu dove at Lock’s feet and got just enough of his ankle to bring him down. Pure aggressiveness… and he didn’t give up on the play. I remember thinking after that play… is there anyone else on the Chiefs now or in the past who could have made that play? I couldn’t think of anyone.

Mathieu: The All-Pro

It’s hard to imagine why Tyrann Mathieu wasn’t named to the Pro Bowl this year. However, we do know Chiefs Kingdom, his teammates, and those around him know who he is and what he’s capable of. Thanks goodness Brett Veach signed him. Thank goodness he’s a Kansas City Chief!

Every great team has a great leader… a number of them actually… and the Kansas City Chiefs have a great leader in Safety Tyrann Mathieu. Now, we’re beginning to see the results of him helping to lead the team out of the fiery ashes of the dumpster fire they’ve been in for the past few years. Thank you Tyrann Mathieu!

Laddie Morse — ArrowheadOne

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