The Kansas City Chiefs defensive line continues to play well to start the season, dominating individual matchups. The group is led on the field by Chris Jones, an All-Pro who is making an impact beyond the stats.
Jones spoke to reporters on Thursday about the emphasis on stats for defensive linemen.
“I think it all varies. The kind of guy like Quinnen Williams (Jets Defensive Lineman), he doesn’t have the stats, but the impact that he has on that defensive line, that defense as a whole, doesn’t compare to what he’s doing in the game, throughout the game, taking on the double team so somebody else can get open,” said Jones. “So, when you take that into account, I don’t think as a defensive lineman, it’s hard to be appreciated as much unless you got 10 and 15 sacks, and unless you got the numbers. But it doesn’t take away from what he’s contributing to their team and their defense success.”
Jones has three sacks through five games this season but focuses on the bigger picture of winning games.
“I think this is overall,” said Jones. “I mean, when you look at a lot of guys who don’t have the numbers but have such an outstanding year, the numbers don’t match up. It’s one of those games, man, and it’s okay not to have the numbers,” said Jones. “You can’t pay attention to numbers. Team success is the best success. You know what I mean? So, I’m not really a numbers guy. I don’t really care. “
Jones had fun with the media attendance, going back and forth about whether his numbers mattered, but he did get his point across about valuing winning over everything.