The Kansas City Chiefs have had consistent issues when it comes to generating a pass rush and finding ways to get the quarterback to the ground. Even with George Karlaftis enjoying a solid season, the overall production simply wasn't living up to expectations of a top-20 edge rusher contract.
This changed against the New York Jets, as Chris Jones and Karlaftis both had a pair of sacks, and a fifth was added by second-year man Ashton Gillotte. These five sacks don't tell the full story of just how dominating the unit was as a whole.
Jets quarterback Geno Smith was seen hitting the ground out of frustration and upset on the sideline. It is difficult to blame Smith, as the veteran QB was under major duress all day. The Chiefs lived in the backfield, making Smith run for his life and take a level of punishment that cannot be sustained for a full season.
While the overall effort is incredibly exciting, the biggest piece of this is Jones finally coming to life. The defender is being paid to be the motor of this pass rush and finally lived up to expectations on Sunday. If this is the version the Chiefs see of Jones moving forward, the Chiefs are going to be a defensive force and a clear Super Bowl contender.
Chiefs pass rush spikes in Week 9, hoping to turn a corner
The Chiefs surrendered just 12 points in the form of four field goals and held the Jets to just 2-of-12 from third down. The biggest thing for Kansas City is to make sure this game wasn't just a one-off performance against a bad team.
They have a great chance to continue when you consider that the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals are the next two teams on KC's schedule, both very beatable doormats in the NFC.
Kansas City's young defense is continuing to evolve under DC Steve Spagnuolo as this was simply the latest example of adjustments made. While playing a struggling Jets team unquestionably helped matters, the needed scheme and pieces are in place for the Chiefs to take control of the AFC West and cement themselves as top AFC contenders.
Rushing the passer at such an elite level unquestionably has fans excited and has the full attention of Chiefs fans. There is every reason to believe this can be maintained over the next two weeks and build the confidence of a unit that went into the season as a clear question mark.
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