Saints’ next three games will be a challenge for the interior offensive line

The Saints will face Grady Jarrett, Chris Jones and Vita Vea over the next three weeks, and they’ll have to do it without Erik McCoy:

The New Orleans Saints will be without Erik McCoy for 6 to 8 weeks. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, the impact of his absence was overly evident.

The triumvirate of Lucas Patrick, Oli Udoh and Cesar Ruiz struggled against the Eagles. The next three games will feature repeated challenges for the group. Grady Jarrett will be on the other side this week for the Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans travels to face the Kansas City Chiefs and Chris Jones in prime time after that. Vita Vea is dealing with an injury but could be available in time for the next game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Former Saints offensive lineman James Hurst explained the trickle-down effect of McCoy’s injury. His role includes leading and directing the rest of the unit, not just blocking the man in front of him. The responsibility comes with a week’s worth of preparation that’s difficult to supplant mid-game.

The Saints will be down their best offensive lineman and leader of the unit just in time for the most challenging stretch of defenders for the interior offensive line. The Saints must look to find McCoy’s replacement quickly.

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Chris Jones is approaching a Chiefs legend on the franchise’s most career sacks list

Chris Jones is approaching a Kansas City #Chiefs legend Justin Houston on the franchise’s most career sacks list | @EdEastonJr

The 2024 regular season is entering its third week, and multiple players are already approaching milestones for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones spoke to the media on Thursday about moving up the franchise’s most career sacks list.

“Listen, those are the guys that came in here and laid the foundation for me to look forward to and try to one day even get close to their names and stuff,” said Jones. “When you go from players like (Chiefs 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee) Tamba Hali, (Former NFL player) Justin Houston, and most importantly (PFHOF) Derrick Thomas, who is the all-time (sack) leader, I think, at 126.5 (sacks) – but who’s counting?

Jones is trailing four Chiefs legends on the all-time sacks leaders list, with Justin Houston being the closest to overtake this season. Houston stands at 78.5 sacks, with Jones currently only two behind after having last week’s half a sack rescinded by the NFL.

“You look up to those types of guys because they set the foundation of what greatness should look like and what to be superior looks like,” said Jones. “When my name is even mentioned at the bottom of that category, it’s an honor, but there’s still a lot of more work to do.”

Jones was unhappy about his half-sack being taken away but is poised to continue to add to his career resume.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo describes Chris Jones’ influence on games

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo describes Chris Jones’ influence on games | @EdEastonJr

The impact of star players doesn’t always show on the stat sheet. The Kansas City Chiefs have several players who fit that role and continue to change games.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke with the media on Thursday, discussing Chris Jones’ influence on games.

“He’s (Chris Jones) attracting a lot of double teams right now. You guys (the media) have probably done your film study, so you can see that, right? Yeah, he does.” said Spagnuolo. “I mean, we try as much as we can to get him on one person, but that’s hard to do. People tend not to let that happen. One of the things we probably need to do a better job of is get into some longer third downs.”

Jones recently had half a sack taken away from his assistance in taking down Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. He has worked well with double teams, allowing teammates like George Karlaftis to take advantage of matchups.

“I was sharing with the(defensive) unit this morning that, if I did my math right, I think we’ve only had 19 third-and-two plus (situations). That’s really not enough in the game,” said Spagnuolo. “That’s only nine and a half a game, but that means you have to play better on first and second down. That’s where this team (Atlanta Falcons) is going to become really challenging because we know they run the ball really well.”

The Chiefs will rely on Jones’ dominance while on the road against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones responds to NFL stat correction: ‘Give me my half a sack back’

Kansas City #Chiefs DT Chris Jones responds to NFL stat correction: ‘Give me my half a sack back’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are 2-0, and that’s the most important stat for a team heading into Week 3. However, another essential statistic is that one of their star players is unhappy with the league’s decision.

Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones didn’t hold back his frustration with the NFL during Thursday’s press conference for removing his half-a sack initially credited to him from Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“Alright, listen, I’m trying my best not to get fined, but in my nine years of playing, three days later, my hand was clearly on him. I don’t know who viewed it. I can’t tell you how many eyes viewed this play.” said Jones. “Play 29, but who’s counting that we both touched him at the same time.”

Jones is known for being very detailed regarding his sack statistics, as evident in securing his contract incentive bonus during Week 18 last season.

“I look at it like this. We go back to last year. I wrap up Russell Wilson, bringing him down. George (Karlaftis) touched him as he was going down to give him a half (sack), right? I don’t report it, but if we (are) that critical on sacks, It would have put me at 11 sacks last year. “Said Jones. “This year, I said I worked so hard to get half (a sack) we’re gonna pull it. We need to get more eyes on it.”

The veteran pass rusher comically declared he’s bringing this to everyone’s attention to help the many sports betting and fantasy football players affected by the stat change.

“We are only human. We make mistakes, but I’m trusting in the league,” said Jones. “and all the individuals that partake in the statistic-wise, and all the fantasy players that whoever won Sunday and lost yesterday, that we able to redeem that and get their money back, because I’m on you guys side.”

Jones would reference finding out about the situation on X (Twitter) and continue venting, hilariously mentioning George Karlaftis’ offer to buy him dinner.

On Twitter, and honest to God, out of my nine years of plan, I never seen it. I never seen it happen. It never, never happened to me. It was a first for me.” said Jones. “I was traumatized and destroyed by it. Very emotional, as you can see, I don’t want the dinner. I want my half a sack. Okay, keep that dinner. I don’t want the dinner, just give me my half a sack back. I worked for it. I’m not asking for anything that I didn’t earn.”

Chiefs DL Chris Jones stripped of sack after NFL stat correction

#Chiefs DL Chris Jones was none too pleased when the NFL issued a stat correction that stripped him of a sack against the #Bengals.

In a league where every play matters, it should come as no surprise that Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones was displeased when the NFL stripped him of half a sack after a stat correction was issued this week.

Jones, was initially credited with half a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2 after combining with George Karlaftis to take down star quarterback Joe Burrow, but now has nothing to show for his performance.

Never one to mince words, Jones took to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon to tell fans exactly what he thought of the NFL’s latest determination:

https://twitter.com/StoneColdJones/status/1836525657246871602

In the end, it seems that Karlaftis did the right thing in the wake of his teammate’s disappointment, as Jones would later tweet this update on Wednesday evening:

https://twitter.com/StoneColdJones/status/1836529452366336180

With some luck, Jones should be able to out-do his Week 2 performance when the Chiefs face the Atlanta Falcons this weekend and come down with at least one sack that the NFL can’t take away from him.

Chris Jones had a fitting 2-letter response after the NFL took away a half-sack vs. Bengals

“lol george agreed to treat me to dinner… im good now”

Chris Jones came into Wednesday with 1.5 sacks to his credit in 2024. He finished the day with 1.0 — and he wasn’t thrilled about the outcome.

Jones shared a sack with teammate George Karlaftis in his Kansas City Chiefs’ comeback win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. With Joe Burrow pressured in the pocket, the Bengal quarterback stepped up in hopes of turning third-and-10 into game-changing touchdown inside the Kansas City red zone. Instead, Karlaftis hit him low and brought him down as Jones, the best pass rushing defensive tackle in football with Aaron Donald retired, cascaded over the top of the frazzled QB.

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1835430367542522332

Four days later, NFL officials looked at the play and declared Jones’ role was negligible. Instead of two half sacks, Karlaftis was credited with a full one and Jones was left with a meager three quarterback hits on the day instead. Pathetic.

That’s sarcasm. And so was Jones’ response on Twitter, I think.

https://twitter.com/StoneColdJones/status/1836525657246871602

Fortunately, Jones is still getting something out of this deal:

https://twitter.com/StoneColdJones/status/1836529452366336180

That’s no small consolation. Jones weighs 310 pounds and there’s no shortage of incredible, but pricy, dining options (or, some incredible but reasonably priced barbecue) in the Kansas City area. Getting that extra half sack might have just cost Karlaftis a hundred bucks. But with a rookie contract extension on the horizon and a 10.5-sack 2023 cementing his worth, it’s something he can afford.

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PFF: Chiefs’ pass rush among NFL’s best through Week 2

According to Pro Football Focus, the #Chiefs have generated the fourth-most pressures in the NFL through two weeks of the regular season.

The Kansas City Chiefs have continued their reign of dominance over the NFL through two weeks of the 2024 regular season, and their defense has been among the league’s best.

Kansas City’s young secondary has thrived in the absence of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, and the Chiefs’ defensive line has done a great job of pressuring opposing quarterbacks their first two games.

Led by star defensive tackle Chris Jones, Kansas City’s front four is beginning to show flashes of excellence, and the experts at Pro Football Focus have officially taken notice.

On Wednesday, PFF released its list of teams with the most quarterback pressures this season.

The Chiefs came in fourth, with 42 heading into Week 3:

Though Kansas City is near the top of the league in pressures, the Chiefs have only accumulated four sacks through their first two contests.

Expect Jones and the rest of Kansas City’s line to convert more of these pressures into sacks as the season continues.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones analyzes upcoming matchup with Bengals QB Joe Burrow

Kansas City #Chiefs DT Chris Jones analyzes upcoming matchup with Cincinnati #Bengals QB Joe Burrow | @EdEastonJr

The rivalry between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals continues to be a must-see matchup regardless of when the game occurs during the season.

Chris Jones has faced off with Joe Burrow and the Bengals for several years, and he’s identified much about their offensive style. He spoke about it with the media after Thursday’s practice.

“Joe Burrow is Joe Burrow, man, (a) great quarterback,” said Jones. “(He) can make all the tough throws and is resilient, and he has a lot of special guys around him. So, it’s a tough team.”

The Bengals struggled in their stunning loss to the New England Patriots last week. Burrow’s first game back from injury was shaky, finishing with 164 yards without a touchdown pass and a 55.8 quarterback rating. Jones is still ready for a determined Burrow returning to Arrowhead Stadium.

“Joe Burrow’s a heck of a quarterback when throwing the ball and making all the tough throws, but I think his running ability isn’t as noticeable as everybody sees. He can run the ball exceptionally well. I think he’s a step-up guy.” said Jones. “It is different from Lamar (Jackson), where Lamar can run any A gap, B gap, or C gap and get a stay in a place like that. But I think Joe Burrow’s running doesn’t get as capitalized as this throwing does, but he’s an effective runner when he has the space. So we definitely got to be cognizant of our pass, rushing lanes.”

The Chiefs defeated the Bengals on New Year’s Eve last season without Burrow available due to injury.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones’ latest impression of Cris Collinsworth on ‘ManningCast’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones’ latest impression of Cris Collinsworth on ‘ManningCast’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs were victorious last Thursday in their Week 1 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, allowing some extra time off between games. Players used the additional days away from the field in various ways, including an appearance on ESPN.

Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones joined ESPN’s ManningCast on Monday night. The San Francisco 49ers’ defeat of the New York Jets took a backseat to Jones’ unique form of entertainment. Eli and Peyton Manning requested that Jones do an impression of NBC Sports commentator Cris Collinsworth calling the game.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ win over the Miami Dolphins in the Wild Card round of last year’s AFC Playoffs was the original version of the Collinsworth video that made the rounds on social media.

Jones’ brief moment as Collinsworth may not have been spot on, but it was comical enough to get the Manning brothers laughing with approval. Kansas City will return on NBC’s Sunday Night Football, visiting the Atlanta Falcons on September 22nd. Many will be curious to hear the response from the man, who will likely call the game alongside Mike Tirico.

Chiefs DL Chris Jones to appear on ESPN’s ‘ManningCast’ on Monday night

#Chiefs DL Chris Jones will be a guest on Monday night’s ‘ManningCast’ during the #49ers’ Week 1 matchup against the #Jets.

The Kansas City Chiefs spent this weekend at home after a thrilling 27-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, allowing players to have some fun during the remaining NFL Week 1 games.

Some players, such as quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, attended the U.S. Open in New York this weekend. Others, like defensive tackle Chris Jones, seek other means of enjoying their weekend off.

On Monday morning, Omaha Productions, the production company for ESPN’s ManningCast, tweeted their list of guests for Monday night’s matchup between the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers, with Jones set to join the broadcast.

https://twitter.com/OmahaProd/status/1833137072275595402

Bill Belichick and Adam Sandler will be tough acts to follow for the veteran defensive lineman. Still, Jones is known for having a personality to spare and should have no trouble providing valuable insight into Monday night’s game.

Expect him to show off his signature wit and football knowledge during tonight’s broadcast.