Spagnuolo sounds alarm after preseason struggles.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ second preseason game on Friday ended in a 33-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Kansas City entered the game 0-1 after a 20-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the preseason, resting most starters, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.
While preseason games generally carry little weight, this contest, in particular, drew pointed postgame remarks from defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Speaking to reporters, Spagnuolo acknowledged that Seattle "came out with the intent to prove it against the Chiefs" and admitted, "I’m not sure we were ready for that. Shame on us. But I think we’ll be ready to play good football this week," as relayed by Charles Goldman of the Chiefs Wire on Tuesday.
Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo was not pleased with the defensive performance in preseason Week 2: "It just felt like they came out with the intent to prove it against the Chiefs. I'm not sure we were ready for that. Shame on us. But I think we'll be ready to play good football this…
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) August 19, 2025
When Spagnuolo Speaks, Everybody Listens
With over four decades of coaching experience, including the last 20+ years working in the NFL, Spagnuolo’s voice carries a lot of weight in the locker room.
Now in his seventh season as Kansas City’s defensive coordinator, he has:
- Four Super Bowl titles as a defensive coordinator - XLII with the New York Giants; LIV, LVII and LVIII with the Chiefs.
- Historic defensive performances - Architect of the Giants’ upset of the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, sacking Tom Brady five times; led the 2023 Chiefs defense that ranked second in points allowed (17.3) and yards allowed (289.8).
- Unique distinction - Only coordinator in NFL history to win a Super Bowl with two different franchises and the only one to win four in that role.
- Track record in Kansas City - Since Spagnuolo joined in 2019, the Chiefs have reached four Super Bowls in five seasons, winning three. His units have consistently ranked among the league’s best in sacks, red-zone defense and limiting explosive plays.
Given his track record, Spagnuolo’s comments are less about panic and more about setting a standard and building good habits before the start of the regular season.
Kansas City closes the preseason at home against the Chicago Bears on Friday before its regular season opener versus the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, Sept. 5, in São Paulo, Brazil.
Related: Cleveland Browns Announce Final Decision on Shedeur Sanders' Bid for Starting Spot
Related: Bombshell Cowboys Report Emerges After Micah Parsons Trade Request
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Category: Football
