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2019 All-AFC West team: Chargers dominate talented division

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 30: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 30: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 23: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates an interception by inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney #55 (not pictured) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 23: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates an interception by inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney #55 (not pictured) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Safety 1: Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City Chiefs

Graham Tiedtke

One of the best things about Mathieu’s game is his ability to blitz. He has been tasked with blitzing a number of times during his career and his 4.5-second speed is a big factor in his success.

Mathieu has played now for three teams since being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. In 2018, he tied his career-high in tackles with 89 (2013 was the other season he reached that total). Clearly, he is a physical tackling machine.

He ranked fourth among free safeties in the NFL in tackles while with the Houston Texans. In the AFC West, only Justin Simmons had more.

Mathieu is a player I wish the Denver Broncos had signed when he was a free agent. His aggressiveness is extremely appealing and something the team would have benefited from. But now they will have to face him twice a year and that has the potential to be scary.

The AFC West became a stronger division with Mathieu’s arrival. He also instantly becomes one of the better players on a Chiefs defense that wasn’t overly impressive last season. Quarterbacks need to be aware of his whereabouts at all times.

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