Tag: Chris Jones

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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Chiefs DT Chris Jones discusses facing former teammates: ‘It’s good to play against your peers’

Kansas City #Chiefs DT Chris Jones discusses facing former teammates: ‘It’s good to play against your peers’ | @EdEastonJr

The New Orleans Saints visit Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night. The team features multiple players who have played for the Kansas City Chiefs and contributed to Super Bowl titles.

Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones opened up to reporters on Friday about facing off against several former Chiefs on Monday night as they now play for the New Orleans Saints.

“Yeah, we’ve got what? (Saints LB) Willie Gay, TK (Saints DE Tanoh Kpassagnon), (Saints S) Tyrann (Mathieu), (Saints DT) Khalen Saunders – I talked to him (Saints DT Khalen Saunders) last night. I’m going to call him today to see if he can give me any spits about him being in the offense. (He) probably won’t, but it’s good, man (laughter).” said Jones. “It’s good to play against your peers that you once played and accomplished so much with. It’s also a challenge, though. We want to come in here and make sure we leave with a win. It’s exciting, (we are) looking forward to it, and maybe we can chat after the game.”

Jones is fond of all his former teammates but singled out Khalen Saunders for impacting his life off the field.

“You guys know that’s my guy (Saunders), that’s my guy,” said Jones. “We became very close over the time he was here. I used to go over to his house. (I) Still, call his Mama, Mama. She had a very personable relationship. That’s my guy. That’s my guy. I wish him nothing but success on his journey in this league. And I know when we play Monday, he’s (the) opponent.”

Saunders played for the Chiefs from 2019 to 2022, winning two Super Bowls alongside Jones on the defensive line.

Chiefs DE George Karlaftis opens up about the Saints offense: ‘We’ll have our hands full’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis opens up about the New Orleans #Saints offense: ‘We’ll have our hands full’ | @EdEastonJr

The New Orleans Saints feature multiple offensive weapons, which have led to their 2-2 start to the season. They visit Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night to challenge the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs and their much-improved defense.

Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis spoke with reporters on Thursday about his thoughts on the Saints offense ahead of Monday night’s game.

“We’ve played against that coordinator a few times. They have playmakers all over the field. Starting with their quarterback, their alliance has been off to a great start.” said Karlaftis. “Obviously, they’re running back, the receiver, so they’re a great team. The record indicates that, and (given) what they’ve done offensively, we’ll have our hands full. Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) has a great game plan, and we’ll execute it. So I think we’ll be good.”

Karlaftis hit double-digit sacks last season and had earned a solid reputation as a pass rusher and threat on the defensive line. He focused on the next significant factor in the Saints’ offense, running back Alvin Kamara.

“He (Kamara) could do a lot of different stuff, both as a runner and a pass catcher,” said Karlaftis. “We’re gonna have our hands full with him. It’s really just playing team ball and really being disciplined, and each man is playing as 1-11 and executing his assignment.”

The Chiefs’ defense, led by all-pro Chris Jones, has played well late in games, closing things out on a potential opposing comeback drive. The unit hopes to avoid late-game thrillers and have the game well in hand in the fourth quarter.

Chiefs All-Pro defensive lineman comments on three-peat talks: ‘It’s just so far-fetched’

Kansas City #Chiefs DT Chris Jones comments on three-peat talks: ‘It’s just so far-fetched’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones appeared as a guest on The Rich Eisen Show on Wednesday to reveal whether or not the team thinks about their chances at a three-peat.

“Not at all. It’s just so far-fetched. And you got to get through the division, not only the AFC West, you got to get through the AFC so much adversity can come about.” said Jones. “So I think more so for us; it’s about the smaller goals of winning the AFC West, which is the first thing we can do. We win the AFC West, we can put ourselves in a position to be in the playoffs. “

Jones was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his fantastic performance against the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday. His third-career Player of the Week Award, surpassing Neil Smith and Art Still for the most-ever by a Chiefs defensive lineman.

“We can think about the AFC, where we are in the AFC, and then we can think about winning an AFC Championship,” said Jones. “They win that. Then you can think about the three-peat, but it’s so far-fetched, so far away, man. So you gotta, I think you can focus on the smaller goals. If you’re able to hit those, you’ll be where you want to be.”

The three-time Super Bowl champion has always kept the right mindset and understands the importance of building the team throughout the season.

Chris Jones earns AFC Defensive Player of the Week award after two-sack performance vs. Chargers

#Chiefs DL Chris Jones was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week after his two-sack performance against the #Chargers on Sunday.

Chris Jones earned the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award for his two-sack performance in the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Jones, who is among the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers, helped keep the Chiefs’ undefeated record intact and made his presence felt against the Chargers’ offensive line.

With Jones’ help, Kansas City’s defense shut out Los Angeles in the second half after giving up 10 points early in the game.

The veteran defensive lineman was the only Chiefs player to register a sack in Week 4, though Kansas City’s defensive effort against the Chargers was a well-rounded team effort.

Though awards like this serve to recognize outstanding individual performances, Jones won’t be able to take his foot off the gas if the Chiefs intend to remain undefeated after their Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Expect Kansas City’s resident sack-master to put on a show when Kansas City faces the Saints on “Monday Night Football” at Arrowhead Stadium.

Chargers Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert show respect for the Chiefs defense after Week 4

Los Angeles #Chargers Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert show respect for the Kansas City #Chiefs defense after Week 4 | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 17-10 on Sunday, largely thanks to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s game plan.

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert commented on the Chiefs’ defensive performance last Sunday during their postgame conversations with reporters.

“It was pretty consistent the entire game. I thought we had some really good counters. The screen game was outstanding.” said Harbaugh. “Like I said, Justin (Herbert) – we’ve got to get him just a little more time. Some of the throws he made, some of the plays he made were incredible. We’ve got to look at it as ‘How we respond from here?’ It’ll be like starting the season over again when we come back.”

Herbert faced plenty of pressure in the second half and was sacked twice by All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones.

“They’re a really well-coached team. We’ve got a lot of respect for them,” said Herbert. “They’ve got a lot of guys on that side of the ball that fly around. So it’s on us to be able to handle their front seven, push the ball downfield, and keep running the ball.”

The two AFC West teams will meet again in Kansas City on December 8th; another exciting matchup is likely.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert on Chiefs’ rabid pass rush: ‘I thought we were prepared’

#Chargers QB Justin Herbert told reporters about the challenge of facing the #Chiefs’ rabid pass rush after Los Angeles’ Week 4 loss to K.C.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense has been on fire to start the 2024 regular season, and it seems that the defending champions somehow caught the Los Angeles Chargers off guard in Week 4.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert addressed the media after Los Angeles’ loss to Kansas City and praised the Chiefs’ pass rush that was orchestrated by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

“It’s tough,” Herbert told reporters. “Like we said during the week, they do a good job of getting after the passer. We expected that. We knew that and I thought we were prepared for it. I’ve got do a better job of getting the ball out, quicker, with answers. I thought the offensive line did a great job stepping up and blocking and doing everything they needed to do. It’s definitely on us to be better at that.”

Herbert was sacked by star defensive lineman Chris Jones twice on Sunday and was held to just 179 passing yards.

Charles Omenihu reacts to Chris Jones’ two-sack performance vs. Chargers

#Chiefs DL Charles Omenihu reacted to Chris Jones’ two-sack performance against the #Chargers in Week 4.

The Kansas City Chiefs relied on their defense to hold the Los Angeles Chargers to just 10 points in Week 4, and injured pass rusher Charles Omenihu followed all the action while recovering from a knee injury he sustained last season.

Omenihu, who was active on Twitter during Kansas City’s game on Sunday afternoon, was particularly excited about the performance of star defensive lineman Chris Jones, who earned a shoutout from the former San Francisco 49er.

Jones sacked Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert twice and was among the Chiefs’ most disruptive players in the defensive masterclass.

Check out Omenihu’s reaction to Jones’ outstanding showing below:

Though Kansas City’s offense has plenty of room for improvement, the defending champions have proven that they can rely on their defense to win games.

Expect the Chiefs’ pass rush to get even better if Omenihu gets back into Kansas City’s starting lineup with Jones later this season.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones comments on the impending return of Charles Omenihu

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones comments on the impending return of Charles Omenihu | @EdEastonJr

The injury rehab process for Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu is moving along well, so much so that he could be returning sooner rather than later.

Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones provided an update on the status of Omenihu during Thursday’s press conference.

“He’s been all in on it, staying late, working out for three or four hours a day,” said Jones. “Just his commitment, him and Tiffany (Morton) doing whatever it takes to make sure Charles gets back and can excel when he steps on the field again.”

Omenihu keeps everyone updated on his rehab through his YouTube channel and often teases his return on social media. Jones shared his opinion on what the veteran defensive lineman will bring to the lineup.

https://twitter.com/charless_94/status/1837871978306207802?s=46&t=QpctjHHttQhTm1N8jEj6Zw

“Add more versatility, not only to our room but to our defense,” said Jones. “We got a guy who can play end but also can bump down and play three-technique. And a guy who missed what? Four to six games last year still had seven or eight sacks. So you know, we can have more sacks, have more versatility to this defense.”

Omenihu finished the 2023 season with seven sacks after missing the first six games due to suspension.

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 4 opponent: Chiefs

Here are some important things to know about the Chiefs ahead of the Week 4 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are back at home to face the Chiefs on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 1:25 p.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 4 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

Patrick hasn’t been perfect

It’s safe to say that it’s been a disappointing start for the best player in the NFL. Despite the 3-0 start for the Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes hasn’t been as much of a factor. Through three games, Mahomes has thrown for 659 yards with five touchdowns to four interceptions. He’s also rushed for 49 yards.

Rice is nice

Rashee Rice has established himself as Mahomes’ top target. The second-year player has 24 catches for 288 yards and two scores. He currently has the second-most receiving yards in the NFL. In two of three games, Rice surpassed the 100-yard mark.

What’s going on with Kelce?

After asserting himself as one of the league’s premier tight ends, Travis Kelce hasn’t played to that level so far this season. In three games, Kelce has eight receptions for 69 yards. He has yet to find the end zone. Most of Kelce’s production has gone to Rice and first-round pick Xavier Worthy.

Checking in on Spags

The numbers don’t truly reflect how defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolu’s defense has played. While the Chiefs’ defense is 15th in points per game and 25th in yards per game, Spagnuolu has put his guys in position to make timely plays to succeed. Kansas City has done a good job limiting their opponents’ top running backs. Derrick Henry averaged 3.5 yards per carry. Zack Moss had 2.8 YPC. Bijan Robinson only rushed for 1.9 YPC.

Look out for…

Chris Jones. Jones will present a problem for the Chargers’ interior offensive line. Arguably one of the best defensive tackles, Jones has 13 quarterback pressures, nine hurries and two sacks.