KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Chiefs had six interceptions against Ryan Fitzpatrick and the New York Jets on Sunday, but it all started where it always begins for their defense.

Cornerback Marcus Peters had two of the interceptions, including the most important, the first. That one set up the Chiefs' only offensive touchdown of the game in the 24-3 victory that ran their record to 2-1.

Unlike in last week's game in Houston, where Peters also had a pair of picks, it didn't finish with him this time. Four other players had an interception, including linebacker Derrick Johnson. His interception and 55-yard touchdown return in the fourth quarter allowed the Chiefs to finally seal the deal.

But there's no question Peters is the catalyst. It's been that way since Peters joined the Chiefs as a rookie last year and helped convert their defense from one that struggled to force turnovers to one that was among the NFL leaders in interceptions.

"Eventually they'll have to stop throwing to his side or he'll have a hundred interceptions," Johnson said. "He's harder on himself than anybody. That's the best thing you like about a young player. He doesn't let anything slide.

"I'm glad he's on my team."

The Chiefs, as a whole, feel the same way. There's generally some drama with the volatile Peters, who seemed more interested in times in the season's first two games in squabbling with opponents, officials and even opposing fans than making plays.

Even with his extracurricular activity, Peters is arguably the Chiefs' MVP. It's not just the interceptions and other big plays but an infectious ball hawking attitude that rubs off on his teammates.

He jumped in front of wide receiver Jalen Marshall to make his first-quarter interception to give the Chiefs the ball at the New York 35. The play was remarkable only for Peters' sense on when to break on the ball. It was perfect, as it usually is with him.

"He's got great instincts," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "All the guys know that. They respect the job he's done since he's been here. He's a good football player, a heady football player. Does he take some chances sometimes? Yeah, he does. But he's got a short memory, which you've got to have there. He gets right back on it and nothing gets him down. He doesn't shy away from anybody. They have some good receivers on that team. He's not going to back down at all from that."

Peters on Sunday was more about football and less about trash-talking or any other activity. Perhaps the Chiefs focused him more on the game after he picked up a bizarre taunting penalty in Houston.

Peters looked like he was having fun and that usually brings a big smile to the collective face of the Chiefs.

"When things are happening like they did today, you enjoy it," he said. "You embrace the opportunities that you have, you capitalize on them and you have fun doing it."