The Kansas City Chiefs are halfway through their 2023 regular season, riding high as the top team in the AFC heading into Week 11. The strong start has been due to the efficient play of the defense, holding opposing offenses to lower-than-usual production.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has constantly spoken highly of the unit throughout the season for winning many games during the offense’s inconsistency. Reid has made a concerted effort to shine a light on the defensive line aside from All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones. He addressed several players who have contributed significantly to the line during Thursday’s press conference.
“I think it starts up front,” Reid explained. “You have a couple of no-names up there. They don’t get a lot of credit. With (Mike) Danna, he’s playing really good football right now. George (Karlaftis) is a year improved and playing real good football. (Derrick) Nnadi gets no credit. And I don’t think he wants credit, but he didn’t get any credit. He’s a stout-style player inside. And then you have Charles (Omenihu) coming on. So he hasn’t been here the whole time. But that’s a nice addition to that mix.”
Jones leads the team in the current PFF defensive grades through Week 11 at 81.8, but the rest of the line is increasing their productivity. The unit will be needed as the ‘Brotherly Shove’ innovators make their trip to Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night.