Bob Sutton’s greatest trick was convincing us his defense didn’t exist

Bob Sutton drew the ire of Kansas City Chiefs fans all season long, then pulled the ultimate plot twist in the Divisional Round.

The greatest trick Bob Sutton pulled was convincing us the Kansas City Chiefs defense didn’t exist.

After a season of performing as one of the worst defenses in the NFL, specifically late in the season against Los Angeles and Seattle, Sutton’s unit finally came together. A defense that ranked 24th in the league this year smothered Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts to advance to the AFC Championship game.

We’re usually talking about Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense after games like this, but it’s the defense that is rightfully getting all the praise. Don’t credit Mother Nature with why the Colts didn’t pick up a single first down in the first half, because that credit belong to Sutton. allowing them to pick up a first down until the final two minutes of the first half.

Late in the fourth quarter — after the game was all but wrapped up — Indianapolis finally scored an offensive touchdown when Luck found T.Y. Hilton for a 29-yard score. Prior to that, the only points they were able to muster came off a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown. To sum up, it was all Chiefs, all day long.

All day long, the Chiefs pass rush was in Luck’s face. Chris Jones batted down or tipped three passes and the team as a whole knocked down at least four.

The amazing thing is that Kansas City ranked 24th in total defense this year, and yet suddenly during their first postseason game — with a trip to the AFC Championship Game on the line — they looked like the most lethal defensive unit in football.

It’s safe to say that Sutton has finally pulled a “Dumb and Dumber” and totally redeemed himself. If this same defense shows up against either the Patriots or Chargers in next week’s AFC title game, the Chiefs will officially be booking a flight to Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII.