The Kansas City Chiefs are headed into their Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers with a five-game win streak on the line, and their elite defense will need to show out to extend their run of dominance.
While Patrick Mahomes has been the focal point of the Chiefs’ strategy in years past, it is Kansas City’s defenders who have stolen the show to this point in the team’s 2023 campaign.
Heading into their divisional tilt against the Chargers, Kansas City’s leader in quarterback pressures is second-year lineman George Karlaftis, who has been a constant pest for passers to start the season.
The Kansas City Chiefs pressure leaders this season:
🥇 George Karlaftis – 27
🥈 Chris Jones – 21
🥉 Mike Danna – 16
4️⃣ Felix Anudike-Uzomah – 6
➡️ Leo Chenal – 6 pic.twitter.com/uI7gRhHIJB— PFF KC Chiefs (@PFF_Chiefs) October 13, 2023
The list, which was expected to be led by veteran Chris Jones, tells the tale of an up-and-coming unit that is in the midst of a change of the guard at one of its most crucial positions.
Karlaftis may need a bit more time to take Jones’ title as Kansas City’s preeminent sack-master, but if his yearly season performance is any indication, the Chiefs have their next great pass rusher under contract for the foreseeable future.