Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce rightfully get most of the headlines, but the Kansas City Chiefs are nowhere near one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties without the services of Chris Jones. A perennial Defensive Player of the Year-caliber talent, Jones saved his best for last during overtime in the Super Bowl on Sunday night.
With the San Francisco 49ers driving in the extra period, Jones put on a cape. If San Francisco had scored a touchdown, it would’ve put the onus on the Chiefs to match those points or risk losing the Super Bowl.
But when Brandon Aiyuk streaked free into the end zone, Brock Purdy never had a chance to throw him the ball because Jones’ pressure threw him off entirely. When San Francisco settled for a field goal after the fact, that opened the door to Mecole Hardman’s eventual game-winning touchdown.
As noted by NFL analyst Brian Baldinger:
.@49ers final offensive play of the season should have been a TD to @THE2ERA . Gotta get the pass protection right to get that done. Cant turn @StoneColdJones free! #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/0o5W3nuajf
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) February 12, 2024
We’re likely writing a lot of different screeds and talking about the Chiefs very differently if Jones doesn’t make this play on Purdy. Don’t let his heroics get lost in the shuffle of the Chiefs ascending to true NFL transcendence.