We need to talk about Chris Jones' impact... AGAIN.

Another week, another argument for why the Chiefs' DT is a serious DPOY candidate.

I am once again asking you to consider that Chris Jones as a serious contender for the defensive player of the year in the National Football League. And I don’t think I’m alone in that sentiment.

Jordan Foote @footenoted

George Karlaftis said Chris Jones is the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL. "It's not even close."

Please understand that I’m very aware that I wrote about Jones not that long ago. Barely over a week ago, in fact, when I wrote about how Jones has made multiple game-altering plays at the most crucial moments in 2022.

Seth Keysor @RealMNchiefsfan

I wrote about Chris Jones and his ability to create big plays at key moments late in games. He's closed out at least 4 wins for KC this year, and made huge plays that could have closed out several others had the offense held up. Unique player.

mnchiefsfan.substack.comGame-altering; Taking a closer look at Chris Jones icing multiple wins for the ChiefsAlmost no other defensive player in the league can boast the number of clutch impact plays Kansas City’s defensive tackle has made.

But I can’t just not write about the fact that HE DID IT AGAIN this week, calling game on back-to-back phenomenal plays to close out a Broncos team that refused to go quietly into the night (aided by the Chiefs doing their whole “let’s see how many horrible mistakes we can make and still walk out of her with a W” routine, which is super fun). Because it matters that people recognize what is happening with Jones this season.

And what’s happening is a defensive player who has quite literally been the difference between the Chiefs being the (current, pending MNF) #1 seed and being in a fight for the 4th seed, or worse. If you don’t believe me, well, maybe you should read the above article before proceeding. Because Jones’ play was the difference between winning and losing at least (at LEAST) 2-3 other games this season before today.

Now, let’s talk about today, and how Jones once again was one of the deciding factors between victory and defeat in a game where the Chiefs needed every bit of help they could get. And it wasn’t just about the final play of the game.