Reflecting on the Kansas City Chiefs' 2016 season, was it a failure?
Of course not.
With twelve wins and four losses, they secured the second seed in the American League, finishing just behind the New England Patriots in the regular season, and advanced to the playoffs as division champions.
However, the disappointment was undeniable when they, highly favored, fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers in their first playoff game and were eliminated.
No wonder the loyal fans in Kansas City despaired; despite having all the essentials, they were thwarted by the playoff curse yet again. Their anger did nothing to help—more than anything, they felt powerless and void, unsure of what more their team needed to break through.
In truth, the signs were all there.
It's hard to believe, but over the past two seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs won games relying on their defense. Andy Reid winning games with defense?