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Chiefs seek to set a new defensive tone with newcomer Tyrann Mathieu as the catalyst

Less than 24 hours after the release of the heart and soul of the Chiefs’ defense, his heir apparent strolled into the Stram Theatre in the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium complex wearing a light blue plaid suit.

To assign the heir that role before he’d even participated in a single offseason workout puts a heavy weight on Tyrann Mathieu’s shoulders. But in using descriptions like leader, catalyst and “ultimate chess piece” to describe Mathieu, members of the Chiefs’ brass know exactly what they’re doing.

They’re entrusting Eric Berry’s role to a younger player: one of the motivator and Swiss-army knife safety.