This is an obvious truth, but we should start here anyway so that there is no misunderstanding: The Chiefs’ defense stinks, and it must significantly improve or the team’s usual playoff loss will be at once predictable, repetitive, and disheartening.
Now, for a more nuanced truth: This was the most hopeful losing Chiefs locker room in recent memory.
The Chiefs have been distraught in this room before. They’ve gathered here to clean up after losses, same as every other team, including three years ago in the playoffs. Last year, they won here in the season opener, but even that was muted because they lost Eric Berry to a season-ending injury.