Great analysis as usual. This is how I was hoping Jones-on-the-edge would go last year. They leaned into it too much early on and it didn’t go well. But for a few well timed snaps per game it can be devastating.
Last year, he trimmed down to 280 to play edge. This year, he looks just as trim and fluid at 315-335 (Chris Jones said both numbers in a post-game interview, so it's not clear which one is correct) but with all kinds of power to back up his fluidity. Amazing!
For him to be most effective, he needs help from other defensive linemen.
To get that help, we will have to use draft capital and move up into the top 10-15 to get him that help. Do we have that much draft capital? Can we afford to pay a 30-year old superstar who we can't help with better players around him?
Trade up AND sign Chris OR trade Chris and move up and hope to get a younger, cheaper Chris?
"hope" is the operative word when you're looking for a "younger, cheaper Chris". How many guys in the draft each season turn into a DT that can rack up 8 sacks a season while absorbing double-teams? I'd venture to say it's "0, and occasionally 1". Trying to draft another Chris Jones is a fools errand. If we trade him, it would need to be for multiple high draft picks, so we'd have a chance to pick up two contributors who might (if we are very lucky) sum up to just one Chris Jones.
And the dude is durable! How many times have you seen Stone Cold Jones on the injury report the last few seasons? I can't remember a single time...
As with every pass rushing plan the Chiefs have to use considering their lack of prowess at the DE position, it's all about variety and the element of surprise. To Spags credit, he's maximizing the other weapons at his disposal to that end. Going forward, he'll need to continue to throw change-ups by sending pressure from all areas of the defense. And once those change-ups are on film, it creates even more for opposing coordinators to account for in protection. If executed properly, it will continue to build on itself with spectacular results.
On the broadcast the trip on Josh Allen was obvious. From this angle, which is similar to the referee's, I can't see the trip really at all. Nothing ground breaking, I think it just makes the non-call a little more understandable. Notice I didn't say "defensible", because I don't see how any sane person could defend the quality of work of the NFL officials. He did, after all, miss the hold, which I would think he's more closely watching for than a trip.
People who watch TV and see a super slow motion close up of the play then berate officials for not seeing it. The game is fast. You can see the official at the end of this clip, on the opposite side of the trip and behind. At game speed, there is no way he sees it. He sees Jones coming in hot and the QB going down.
Jones comes around the corner like his order is up at the bbq joint and he's late for practice. I have trouble seeing line play while at the games. The play moves too fast for my simple brain to process. But, I do occasionally notice who is in there after the substitutions and be like "what?" when players are in together who normally sub out. Occasionally. Not often. But I do notice CJ95. (he's hard to miss). Thanks for the slowing down the game for me to see and understand what they are trying to do. Tamba was always great at the "hands" part of the rush due to his training on it and I love it when CJ95 swats someone away like an annoying insect.
IMO Chris Jones has been one of the most under-recognized / under-appreciated players in the NFL during his career. Spags doesn't always hit the nail on the head, but his creativity with stunts and seeing the potential in a move like this and others is truly impressive. Putting people in position to win. It's also been interesting to watch the leadership evolution with both Jones and Kelce going from happy-go-lucky to game-face championship chasers.
And last, I like how you call him "the QB" throughout. 😁
We've kind of always said this, right? Move Chris jones around, find favorable matchups for him along the line, even single him up against the worst offensive lineman. At the very least, find a way to get him 1v1 opportunities, and let him showcase his pass rushing prowess. He IS dominant. He IS elite. And finally now that some guys have raised their game up even a little bit around him, offenses can't devote 3 guys to him every play. And we're seeing the fruits of that. I hope he keeps this up. I wanna see his name on the first team all pro list, ahead of Aaron Donald.
Chris Jones said, following the ridiculous "roughing" call after his strip sack, that he weighs 335 lbs (before correcting himself to 315). Whether 335 or 315 is the correct number, can you imagine being on an island trying to take on a 315-335 lb edge rusher with his explosiveness, cornering, and hand-fighting technique? No wonder he wins 50% of the time!
Oh man, if we got Suh, that would be such an upgrade...and I think we could pull it off! With Clark suspended for two games, we get 2/17 of his $3.75 million salary back. Add that to the Kelce cap space, and maybe trade RoJo to clear another $800K, and we should be able to make a competitive half-season offer of close to $5 million. With Turk on the IR, and Jones playing DE snaps, we could definitely use the quality depth...
Great analysis as usual. This is how I was hoping Jones-on-the-edge would go last year. They leaned into it too much early on and it didn’t go well. But for a few well timed snaps per game it can be devastating.
Last year, he trimmed down to 280 to play edge. This year, he looks just as trim and fluid at 315-335 (Chris Jones said both numbers in a post-game interview, so it's not clear which one is correct) but with all kinds of power to back up his fluidity. Amazing!
Without 2 high leverage sacks negated by suspect at best officiating, he’s DPOY frontrunner IMO
I love Chris Jones! Here is the dilemma:
For him to be most effective, he needs help from other defensive linemen.
To get that help, we will have to use draft capital and move up into the top 10-15 to get him that help. Do we have that much draft capital? Can we afford to pay a 30-year old superstar who we can't help with better players around him?
Trade up AND sign Chris OR trade Chris and move up and hope to get a younger, cheaper Chris?
Not a guy I would trade. Could be a very long time before we see another…
There’s one guy on this roster that’s not tradable. It would take a crazy haul for it to be considered, but should in no way be off the table.
"hope" is the operative word when you're looking for a "younger, cheaper Chris". How many guys in the draft each season turn into a DT that can rack up 8 sacks a season while absorbing double-teams? I'd venture to say it's "0, and occasionally 1". Trying to draft another Chris Jones is a fools errand. If we trade him, it would need to be for multiple high draft picks, so we'd have a chance to pick up two contributors who might (if we are very lucky) sum up to just one Chris Jones.
And the dude is durable! How many times have you seen Stone Cold Jones on the injury report the last few seasons? I can't remember a single time...
As with every pass rushing plan the Chiefs have to use considering their lack of prowess at the DE position, it's all about variety and the element of surprise. To Spags credit, he's maximizing the other weapons at his disposal to that end. Going forward, he'll need to continue to throw change-ups by sending pressure from all areas of the defense. And once those change-ups are on film, it creates even more for opposing coordinators to account for in protection. If executed properly, it will continue to build on itself with spectacular results.
He really just eats tackles for lunch in those situations....wish we had a DT that could keep teams from double teaming him when he's inside
On the broadcast the trip on Josh Allen was obvious. From this angle, which is similar to the referee's, I can't see the trip really at all. Nothing ground breaking, I think it just makes the non-call a little more understandable. Notice I didn't say "defensible", because I don't see how any sane person could defend the quality of work of the NFL officials. He did, after all, miss the hold, which I would think he's more closely watching for than a trip.
People who watch TV and see a super slow motion close up of the play then berate officials for not seeing it. The game is fast. You can see the official at the end of this clip, on the opposite side of the trip and behind. At game speed, there is no way he sees it. He sees Jones coming in hot and the QB going down.
Jones comes around the corner like his order is up at the bbq joint and he's late for practice. I have trouble seeing line play while at the games. The play moves too fast for my simple brain to process. But, I do occasionally notice who is in there after the substitutions and be like "what?" when players are in together who normally sub out. Occasionally. Not often. But I do notice CJ95. (he's hard to miss). Thanks for the slowing down the game for me to see and understand what they are trying to do. Tamba was always great at the "hands" part of the rush due to his training on it and I love it when CJ95 swats someone away like an annoying insect.
IMO Chris Jones has been one of the most under-recognized / under-appreciated players in the NFL during his career. Spags doesn't always hit the nail on the head, but his creativity with stunts and seeing the potential in a move like this and others is truly impressive. Putting people in position to win. It's also been interesting to watch the leadership evolution with both Jones and Kelce going from happy-go-lucky to game-face championship chasers.
And last, I like how you call him "the QB" throughout. 😁
That was way fun!
We've kind of always said this, right? Move Chris jones around, find favorable matchups for him along the line, even single him up against the worst offensive lineman. At the very least, find a way to get him 1v1 opportunities, and let him showcase his pass rushing prowess. He IS dominant. He IS elite. And finally now that some guys have raised their game up even a little bit around him, offenses can't devote 3 guys to him every play. And we're seeing the fruits of that. I hope he keeps this up. I wanna see his name on the first team all pro list, ahead of Aaron Donald.
Chris Jones is playing like a man possessed this year. Hopefully he finally gets 1st Team All-Pro!
The contract year remains Undefeated.
Also.... EXTEND THAT MAN, AND PAY HIM!!! He's played well enough to deserve a 3rd contract from KC. And we'd love for 95 to retire a Chief.
Chris Jones said, following the ridiculous "roughing" call after his strip sack, that he weighs 335 lbs (before correcting himself to 315). Whether 335 or 315 is the correct number, can you imagine being on an island trying to take on a 315-335 lb edge rusher with his explosiveness, cornering, and hand-fighting technique? No wonder he wins 50% of the time!
HIs hands are so fast in that last clip, goodness gracious.
That Raiders rep is positively Reggie White-Esque. It's almost uncanny.
Chris Jones: Good at football.
Great read!
Spagnuolo is becoming increasingly creative, even had Carlos Dunlap and Frank Clark line up beside each other to throw the linemen off and it worked.
Imagine Ndamukong Suh and Chris Jones lined up beside each other on occasion, the linemen and QB would probably freak out and call a timeout 😂.
Suh is waiting to sign with a contender and let's hope it's not Buffalo.
Oh man, if we got Suh, that would be such an upgrade...and I think we could pull it off! With Clark suspended for two games, we get 2/17 of his $3.75 million salary back. Add that to the Kelce cap space, and maybe trade RoJo to clear another $800K, and we should be able to make a competitive half-season offer of close to $5 million. With Turk on the IR, and Jones playing DE snaps, we could definitely use the quality depth...