Despite the gradual year-over-year improvement in the Chiefs' win–loss record, Sutton drew growing criticism as the defense cost them playoff games, starting when the team blew the 38–10 lead to lose 44–45 to the Indianapolis Colts in 2014, and then suffered eliminations at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and New England Patriots in the 2016–2018 postseasons; in these latter three losses the Chiefs had home advantage and surrendered a considerable amount of rushing yards. The 2018 season was generally a success for the Chiefs, largely due to an offense led by young quarterback Patrick Mahomes who led the league in points and yards per game. However, the defense ranked 31st in yards allowed (405.5), 24th in yards per play (5.85), and 24th in points per game (26.3), and giving up an average of 40.2 points in the five losses including those to the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, while the only bright spot was leading the league in sacks and quarterback hurries.
Despite the Chiefs' record improving year-over-year, Sutton faced increasing criticism as the defense cost them playoff games. This began when they lost a 38–10 lead to the Indianapolis Colts in 2014 and continued with losses against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and New England Patriots in subsequent postseasons. In these latter three defeats, the Chiefs had home advantage but surrendered significant rushing yards. The 2018 season was generally successful for the Chiefs, largely due to a strong offense led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes who topped the league in points and yards per game. However, the defense ranked poorly, allowing the most yards (405.5), highest yards per play (5.85), and most points per game (26.3).  The defense also allowed an average of 40.2 points across five losses, including those to the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks. The only bright spot was their league-leading sack and quarterback hurry numbers.