In a surprising turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs' defense took center stage this week, earning high praise and recognition across the league. Holding the league's highest-scoring team to their lowest point total of the season, the Chiefs' defensive unit showcased its dominance on Sunday.

While quarterback Patrick Mahomes and star receiver Travis Kelce didn't have standout performances, the Chiefs' defense stepped up to secure a crucial victory. Though the defense may concede some rushing yards and has recorded only five interceptions, it remains a formidable force that ranks among the league's best.

In fact, this year's defense may even surpass the accomplishments of the 2019 and 2021 units, which finished seventh and eighth, respectively, in points allowed. With their exceptional tackling skills, the Chiefs boast one of the most efficient groups of defensive backs in the league, making it challenging for opponents to gain significant yards after the catch.

Kelce, while not part of the defense, deserves recognition for his contributions on the offensive end. With the rest of the receiving corps struggling, Kelce has shouldered a significant portion of the passing game, accounting for 25% of the Chiefs' catches and 24% of their receiving yards. His return from an ankle injury played a crucial role in the team's Week 5 victory against the Vikings.

However, despite Kelce's individual accomplishments, the focus remains on the Chiefs' defense. The team's recent loss to the Broncos remains a blemish on their record, preventing them from earning top marks. Nevertheless, there is no denying the defense's impact, as they held the Dolphins 138 yards below their season average, showcasing their prowess.

According to TruMedia, the Chiefs rank third in the NFL in defensive EPA per drive with a stellar rating of .70. This statistic only strengthens the argument that the defense is a force to be reckoned with. Conversely, the Chiefs' offense has experienced some challenges this season with four of their lowest offensive success rate games occurring in the Patrick Mahomes era. Sunday's game against the Dolphins marked their third lowest offensive success rate in that span, standing at 36.1%.

Remarkably, the Chiefs' defense has now matched their offense in terms of EPA per play, ranking fifth on both fronts. Mahomes himself has lauded the defense, expressing that it is the best he has ever played with. The statistical evidence supports his claim, as it is conceivable that at some point this season, the defense might hold slightly more value in terms of opponent EPA than the offense does in total EPA.

As the Chiefs continue with their season, it is clear that their defense will play a pivotal role in their success. With a group of talented defensive backs and a determination to stifle opponents, the Chiefs have found a formula for victory even when their star offensive players aren't at their best.