Tag: Chris Jones

Chiefs DT Chris Jones reflects on conversation with DeAndre Hopkins two years ago

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones reflects on conversation with DeAndre Hopkins two years ago | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones was one of the many players who welcomed DeAndre Hopkins to the team. During his press conference on Thursday, Jones reflected on a conversation with Hopkins two years ago while fishing.

“Me and him conversed about this two years ago; we both agreed he would be super successful in the offense,” said Jones. “Just at the time, there was a lot of things going on, and unfortunately, we weren’t able to acquire him at the time. But you know how life works. It’s a full circle. And unfortunately, with injuries, we needed a wide receiver.”

Hopkins signed as a free agent with the Tennessee Titans before the 2023 season. At that time, during free agency, the Chiefs were one of the many teams interested in the veteran’s services. Jones recalls promoting the idea of Hopkins playing in Kansas City.

“I think we was at an event in Miami, a fishing event. Yeah, two years ago, I was there. I was part of the fishing event.” said Jones. “I think we were able to talk and chat about what it would be like being in Kansas City. What is Kansas City like, and how successful he can be with us.”

Jones, an avid fisherman, immediately proclaimed that he was better than Hopkins in fishing. He was, however, the first to get Hopkins’ attention, as the duo had maintained a friendship over their years in the NFL.

Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins comments on seeking first Super Bowl title: ‘Playing for something’

Kansas City #Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins comments on seeking first Super Bowl title: ‘Playing for something’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs’ newly acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins addressed the media for the first time since the deal was finalized. He shared his thoughts on the franchise from afar, Super Bowl aspirations, and contributions to the team.

“Obviously, throughout my career, being a big fan of what Andy (Reid) has done going against those guys in Houston (Texans), they gave us some tough battles,” said Hopkins. “So always, just admired them from afar. Chris Jones, one of my buddies off the field, so him and I, of course, talked about, you know, the potential, you know, if I ever got the chance being a free agent or getting traded.”

The five-time Pro Bowler shared his thoughts on entering the Chiefs facility and culture on his first day.

“I think everything everybody does here, not just in this facility, outside of the facility, it’s detailed,” said Hopkins. “I know that’s how you win championships.”

The Chiefs are undefeated through six games this season and are eyeing a three-peat. Hopkins was traded from the struggling Tennessee Titans, which gave him a new life and a chance at postseason success.

“It means a lot. It takes your game to a different level. It takes your focus, your drive, knowing that you’re playing for something. It takes a game to a different level.” said Hopkins. “I haven’t played meaningful football in a couple of years since we probably started 8-0 in Arizona (Cardinals). So, it takes a game to a different level.”

Hopkins has earned All-Pro honors five times in his career and, through six games this season, has 15 catches for 173 yards while dealing with quarterback issues in Tennessee. He is far from concerned about his production with new quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“I can do a lot of things. Obviously, you guys seen, but just trying to make plays,” said Hopkins. “I’m not trying to give a PSA of what I can do or what I can’t do. I play football. So it’s going out there and making plays.”

The Chiefs placed wide receiver Skyy Moore on injured reserve and are without JuJu Smith-Schuster for an undetermined time due to a hamstring injury. Whether or not he plays this Sunday, Hopkins’ addition is needed in the lineup.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones is focused on wins over individual stats: ‘I’m not really a numbers guy’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones is focused on wins over individual stats: ‘I’m not really a numbers guy’ | @EdEastonJr

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.

Chiefs DL Chris Jones, Mike Pennel surprise fans with tickets for ‘Crucial Catch’ game vs. Saints

#Chiefs linemen Chris Jones and Mike Pennel surprised two fans with tickets to Kansas City’s ‘Crucial Catch’ game against the #Saints.

As part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ community initiatives, defensive linemen Chris Jones and Mike Pennel helped the team raise cancer awareness in partnership with the K.U. Cancer Center.

Pennel, who is a survivor of childhood cancer, joined Jones to deliver a huge surprise to a local area fan who recently underwent a battle with breast cancer.

The two linemen gave breast cancer survivor Jill Shahan and oncologist Jamie Wagner of the K.U. Cancer Center tickets to see the Chiefs play against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 5.

Shanahan and Wagner also threw the ceremonial first pass before Kansas City’s ‘Crucial Catch’ game last week.

Check out this video of their experience, which was shared by the Chiefs’ official Twitter account:

Expect the team to feature more stories like this in the future as it continues to raise awareness about cancer screening through the NFL’s ‘Crucial Catch’ initiatives.

 

Former Chiefs defensive lineman makes history with highlight play in Week 5

Former Kansas City #Chiefs defensive lineman Khalen Saunders makes history with highlight play in Week 5 | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the New Orleans Saints last Monday night but had a brief scare due to a highlight play from a former member of their Super Bowl teams.

Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders intercepted Patrick Mahomes in the endzone before running the ball back 36 yards in the second half, stalling a drive. According to NFL metrics, Saunders’ return on the pick saw him hit a top speed of 15.79 mph, the third-fastest speed by a ball carrier over 320 pounds since 2016.

Saunders played for the Chiefs from 2019 to 2022, winning two Super Bowls on the defensive line alongside his good friend Chris Jones. During his post-game press conference, Mahomes shouted out his former teammates’ memorable moment.

“Yeah, we talked. He’s (Saunders)– I said if it had to be one person, the fact that it was Khalen was probably the best person in the NFL that could’ve got an interception off of me.” said Mahomes “(He’s) just such a good guy, man, (he’s) one of the best teammates that I’ve ever had. I mean, (he) truly is. (It’s) just a smile on his face every single day, and (he) really just loved – not only football – but the part of the locker room, which I think is really cool. So, I’m super happy for him that he had a good game and that he’s done a good job of having his career go on.”

Along with several Saints players, Saunders won titles with the Chiefs, making Monday’s game a semi-reunion that ended with a Kansas City victory.

NFL analyst on Chiefs DL Chris Jones: ‘an unblockable force’

Check out what NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger had to say about #Chiefs DL Chris Jones after Kansas City’s Week 5 victory over the #Saints

NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger was fired up when he saw the film of Chris Jones’ performance in the Kansas City Chiefs’ win over the New Orleans Saints “Monday Night Football.”

Though Jones didn’t record a sack in the game, his remarkable effort against the Saints’ front five helped keep New Orleans’ offense at bay.

In Baldinger’s film review of Kansas City’s 26-13 victory, he shared his analysis of Jones’ outstanding showing against the Saints and broke down multiple plays in slow motion to show fans just how dominant the veteran pass rusher was in Week 5.

Check out this clip that Baldinger posted to Twitter on Tuesday, where he called Jones “an unblockable force”:

 

Though Jones’ impact on the stat sheet was relatively mediocre, his presence made all the difference in the Chiefs’ latest win.

Fans will have to wait until October 20 to see Jones back in action when Kansas City faces the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Week 7.

PFF: Chris Jones earned Chiefs’ highest grade in Week 5 win vs. Saints

According to Pro Football Focus, veteran DL Chris Jones was the #Chiefs’ highest-graded player in Kansas City’s Week 5 win over the #Saints.

The Kansas City Chiefs secured their fifth victory of the 2024 regular season on Monday after defeating the New Orleans Saints 26-13 to keep their perfect record alive heading into a Week 6 bye.

The Chiefs’ offense was firing on all cylinders, totaling 460 yards and dominating the time of possession with a 20-plus minute advantage at the end of the game.

The real star of the matchup on “Monday Night Football,” however, was Kansas City’s defense, which stymied New Orleans in all four quarters.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has masterminded the fifth-best run defense in the NFL, led by star defensive lineman Chris Jones.

On Tuesday, the experts at Pro Football Focus released a list of the Chiefs’ top-graded players in Kansas City’s Week 5 win, and the All-Pro pass rusher led the pack with a mark of 93.2:

Jones was dominant in the Chiefs’ Week 5 win, tallying six quarterback pressures and two combined tackles to keep quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara at bay.

Saints could start their third center in as many weeks vs. Chiefs

Injuries to Erik McCoy, Lucas Patrick, and Shane Lemieux mean the Saints may have to start their third center in as many weeks against the Chiefs:

It wasn’t too long ago that the New Orleans Saints offensive line was winning some confidence from their fans. They had gotten off to a hot start and Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy looked like their best player up front. Then he suffered a groin injury that sent him into surgery, and now he’s looking at a month or more of recovery on injured reserve.

Next man up. That was Lucas Patrick, who filled in for McCoy against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Saints brought up Shane Lemieux from their practice squad for the next game, but he suffered an ankle injury and won’t play on Monday night versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Next man up again, right? That would be Patrick. But he missed the last two days of practice  with a groin injury of his own and is questionable to play at all.

At some point you run out of options and get to the end of the line. That’s why the Saints signed Connor McGovern off the New York Jets practice squad, and he has a real shot at starting in Kansas City. With McCoy and Lemieux out of action and Patrick questionable, McGovern would probably be that next man up.

At least he has experience. McGovern has snapped the ball himself 4,925 times and mostly played in similar offenses to Klint Kubiak’s system. He could be a capable replacement at the pivot even if he was only in New Orleans a few days before flying out to Kansas City. Still, it’s concerning that Derek Carr would have to take the snap from another new set of hands. Especially with five-time All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones watching and waiting to charge at him.

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Chiefs defense examines Saints offense ahead of their Week 5 matchup

Kansas City #Chiefs defense examines New Orleans #Saints offense ahead of their Week 5 matchup | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defense has made big plays this season, contributing to their undefeated record and confidence leading into Week 5.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke with reporters after practice last week, sharing his thoughts on the New Orleans Saints thriving offense ahead of their Monday Night Football battle at Arrowhead Stadium.

“Well, I think they’re really good because they mix it up. It’s not just pass, and it’s not just trying to chuck it down deep. I mean, they’ll run the football, and they have some really good people to do that, so that’ll kind of get you on your heels a little bit.” said Spagnuolo. “Derek (Carr) knows exactly what to – I’ve always had respect for Derek Carr and how he gets them in and out – or out of a bad play and into a good one. I think that has a lot to do with it, and he’s a very accurate quarterback.“

After four games this season, New Orleans leads the NFL in points per game with 31.8. Derek Carr has six touchdown passes and three interceptions with 824 yards. He, along with lead running back Alvin Kamara (362 rushing yards), has the attention of Spagnuolo and star defensive lineman Chris Jones.

“They’re playing really good football. It’s a playoff-caliber team (that) we’re facing,” said Jones late last week after practice. (”They have a) heck of a defense, and the offense is relying heavily on Derek Carr and (Saints RB) Alvin Kamara.”

Due to injury, the Saints will be without Taysom Hill, who has played an essential offensive role over the years.

Just one Saints player remains from their last visit to Arrowhead Stadium

There’s plenty of turnover in the NFL, but this is stunning. Just one player remains from the Saints’ last visit to Arrowhead Stadium:

It’s been a long time since the New Orleans Saints last made the trip to Arrowhead Stadium for a game with the Kansas City Chiefs, but they’ll be back on Monday night. There’s plenty of turnover in the NFL, but this is stunning. Just one player remains on the roster from the Saints’ last visit in 2016: Cameron Jordan.

Because this is an inter-conference matchup pitting an NFC team against an AFC opponent, the Saints have only kicked off with the Chiefs a dozen times in franchise history, or once every four years. And with the home-and-away structure rotating each game, it’s been eight seasons since they last played the Chiefs in Kansas City.

None of Jordan’s teammates from that game (a 27-21 loss) are still suiting up for New Orleans, though many of them are still active around the NFL; guys  like Thomas Morstead, Wil Lutz, Terron Armstead, and Vonn Bell, among a few others. A couple have turned to coaching, including Jahri Evans (with the Saints), Zach Strief (on the Denver Broncos), and James Laurinaitis (at Ohio State).

That’s not to say the Chiefs have kept their squad together. Just three players are left on the opposing sideline, too — tight end Travis Kelce, defensive tackle Chris Jones, and long snapper James Winchester. In total, of the 89 players who got on the field for at least one snap on offense, defense, or special teams between the two sides, only four are still on their respective rosters.

Hopefully the Saints come away  with a win this time. And, hopefully, the next time they visit Arrowhead Stadium they’ll have done a better job  drafting, developing, and most importantly retaining their talent.

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