The Kansas City Chiefs made the shocking move to let go three-time Pro Bowl safety Tyrann Mathieu.
So you mean to tell me that the Chiefs let Tyrann Mathieu go.. to grab Justin Reid ?? Smh that’s pitiful . @Mathieu_Era where we goin next ?
— D Will (@2__newera) March 15, 2022
He had a solid 2021 season, recording 60 solo tackles and three interceptions, with one returned for a touchdown.
He was a factor in defensive play that led the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances.
However, the Chiefs have decided to move on from Mathieu.
With Mathieu accounting for nearly 9 percent of all the solo tackles for the Chiefs in 2021, it strikes fans as odd to not keep him around.
He is a factor in the defense, making this move a mistake by the Chiefs.
Last Line Of Defense: Tyrann Mathieu’s Job
NFL defenses have multiple layers to stop offenses from scoring.
The defensive line is at the front of making the crucial stops for their team.
Linebackers make up the next level, where they can either play coverage or blitz the quarterback.
The last line consists of the secondary.
The secondary is corners and safeties, with the safeties being the last line of defense.
That was the requirement of Mathieu to be the last line of defense against rushers and receivers.
Tartt Career: 64 games started and 80 total appearances, 4 INTs and 18 PD.
Tyrann Mathieu last 2 seasons: 31 games started, 9 INTs and 15 PD.
I laugh at the people that don't want this upgrade SMH.
— Jessie🎙 (@JNay_LSS) March 15, 2022
He did his job well, stopping runners and receivers dead in their tracks.
Without him, the Chiefs now have a huge hole to fill on defense.
Chiefs Go With Youth Over Experience
Kansas City elected to sign Justin Reid to a three-year deal, the replacement to Mathieu.
Reid has youth over Mathieu.
However, Reid doesn’t have the experience that Mathieu has in the NFL.
Mathieu is more of a solo tackler, having 16 assisted tackles out of his overall tackle total of 76.
Reid is a player that needs help getting players down, having 25 assisted tackles out of his overall tackle total of 66.
The Chiefs are looking for Reid to improve his performance in the NFL.
However, the Chiefs have given up proven reliability for the hopes of something they may never get from Reid.
Mathieu Was A Motivator For The Chiefs Defense
One thing that the Chiefs will be without now is a player that can motivate their defense.
Mathieu helps his defensive teammates get back on track.
He showed a love for the game and his team.
Nobody on this team loves wearing pads more than @Mathieu_Era!
🍯🦡 had the mic at #ChiefsCamp pic.twitter.com/nyisiNLE42
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 1, 2019
The Chiefs can’t easily replace someone with a passion like Mathieu’s.
The Chiefs defense was able to rally behind Mathieu in his time with the team.
Now the Chiefs will have to look to someone else on defense to motivate players, which might be challenging.
Will The Mathieu’s Move Hurt Chiefs Playoff Chances?
Replacing Mathieu isn’t an easy task.
His replacement, Reid, has some big shoes to fill.
By the stats, Reid doesn’t compare to Mathieu.
Reid isn’t in Mathieu’s league with motivating a team.
It will be tough for the Chiefs’ defense to keep the game in reach for Patrick Mahomes without Mathieu on the field.
The Chiefs were a top ten defense last season in points allowed.
Mathieu’s play and motivation helped keep the Chiefs’ defense in the game and opponents out of the end zone.
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