There is no doubt that the identity of the Kansas City Chiefs starts with future Hall of Fame players like quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.
That being said, when those two cornerstones of the team are compromised by lingering injuries — like they were heading into Sunday's AFC Championship — it takes the less-commended side of the ball to carry more of the load.
The Chiefs' defense did precisely that, limiting the Cincinnati Bengals to their lowest point total since October in the Chiefs' 23-20 triumph Sunday to take back the AFC crown.