Chris Jones Shares His Reasons for 2023 Success Along KC Chiefs’ Defensive Line

Jones credited his teammates and defensive line coach Joe Cullen for allowing him to play freely this season.

The Kansas City Chiefs' defense has been the driving force behind the team's 5-1 start to the season, with all five of those wins coming with defensive tackle Chris Jones in the lineup. 

Jones, who missed Week 1 as he continued his contract-related holdout, played roughly half of the available defensive snaps in Week 2 and was limited to just 16 reps in a Week 3 blowout win over the Chicago Bears. Since then, however, the All-Pro interior lineman has played at least three-quarters of the team's snaps on defense in every game. He's logged a sack in every contest he's played in this year, also recording a tackle for loss in four of them. It's been another impactful year for the four-time Pro Bowler, and one that he needs in order to maintain his top-shelf free agent status for the spring.

With Charles Omenihu out for the first six weeks of the season due to a suspension, Kansas City tapped back into something it hadn't utilized a ton since the 2021 campaign: using Jones more as a defensive end. It's working better and he seems to be more bought into the idea, too. When asked what the difference is between then and now, Jones credited defensive line coach Joe Cullen for his profound impact. 

"Joe Cullen," Jones said. "Having Joe Cullen around, a guy who is heavily invested in this defensive line and very particular on chasing greatness every day. So [he's] pushing the best out of me and the individuals in the D-line. I think it's a trickle effect." 

According to Pro Football Focus tracking data for Jones, the 29-year-old has 194 snaps this season lined up either as a defensive tackle, over an opposing tackle or outside of a tackle. Of those reps, 44% have been over the tackle and 20% have him aligned outside. Last year, those percentages were 29 and just under 10. The year before, they were 28 and 31. 

Jones acknowledged that there's a fluidity to the decision-making process of where he'll line up, adding that "transparency is key" when watching film with his coaches and pointing out potential mismatches against the opponent. His teammates are another element of the equation, especially considering the duo of George Karlaftis and Mike Danna has been the predominant defensive end combination this year. Players like Malik Herring and rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah also factor into the picture, giving the staff some flexibility but also a good problem on their hands. Jones notes that because his fellow defensive linemen are willing to cater to his matchup flexibilty, it makes the group better as a result. 

"I'm super grateful for the guys in the room," Jones said. "We have an unselfish group that allows me to play free and be free amongst the defensive line, and I'm very grateful for that. I think it's more so of a weekly prep on where I can get an advantage at, and the guys buy in and they allow me to do that. I think it's a collective effort." 

With Omenihu now set to possibly make his regular-season debut on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, there will be another player with inside-outside versatility thrown into the fire. It will force Cullen and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to think more about their in-game substitutions, but it will also give them even more chances to mix and match their personnel. Jones is playing some inspired football regardless of where he lines up before the snap and if you ask him, he'll tip his cap to those around him for putting him in positions to succeed.

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