Pass rusher Charles Omenihu made his season debut in week seven after serving a six-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Despite missing that much time, Omenihu made an immediate impact on the defensive line, recording a sack, two solo tackles, and deflecting a pass that led to an interception.
Star defensive tackle Chris Jones spoke to the media on Wednesday and was asked what Omenihu adds to the Chiefs defense.
“Charles [Omenihu] being able to play inside and outside, came back, he got over that excitement and got the sack,” Jones said. “We welcome him back with open arms. He’s going to be a guy we use all around the place. He’s big, he’s tall, naturally fast, faster than he looks. He can go inside and outside; I think it can help our group tremendously. Like I was telling [Defensive Line Coach] Joe Cullen, I never think you can have enough pass rushers in one group.”
Kansas City’s defense has been one of the top units in the league and lead the league in batted passes. Jones explained why the Chiefs’ defensive line have so much success in that department.
“When you have two guys in the middle that are 6’5″ and 6’6″ you know it’s like playing basketball, right, just getting a block,” Jones continued. “I think it’s something George [Karlaftis] and the rest of the guys, we work on. You know our coach; he emphasizes a lot throughout the week. [Defensive Line Coach] Joe Cullen, emphasizes it a lot – pass rushing, knocks, sacks, hurries – so we kind of simulate drills for everything that we do in the game, and all of a sudden it kind of shows up.”
In years past, the offense has been the main reason for the Chiefs’ success. However, this season the defense has stepped up and carried this team when the offense has struggled at times.