One of the biggest takeaways to come out of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Thanksgiving Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys was their struggling pass rush.
The Chiefs’ pass rush was nonexistent against the Cowboys’ high-octane offense, as they didn’t register one sack despite having six quarterback hits. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott took advantage of the lackluster Chiefs' pass rush, throwing for 320 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, giving a performance that makes Kansas City's already uphill battle towards a playoff berth even steeper.
Most Chiefs fans drew their ire towards former first-round pick George Karlaftis, who was signed to a four-year, $88 million extension this summer, and has not recorded a sack in Kansas City’s last three games.
However, Karlaftis, who has five sacks on the season, is not the only player who isn’t living up to expectations. Veteran pass rusher Charles Omenihu has been a non-factor for Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo through 13 weeks after being re-signed to a one-year, $4 million deal this offseason.
Charles Omenihu’s Week 13 Dud Is Perfect Microcosm of His Season
The 28-year-old Omenihu played the second-most snaps at defensive end (39) in Kansas City’s Thanksgiving loss. But he didn’t take advantage of the playing time, mustering one quarterback hit and going sackless for the sixth consecutive game.
According to Pro Football Focus, Omenihu was one of the lowest graded defenders for Kansas City at 46.8. The only other Chiefs defenders with lower grades were Mike Pennel (39.8) and Chamarri Conner (30.2).
Omenihu’s run defense grade was okay (64.6), but the veteran defender left much to be desired in the pass rushing department (51.8). That has been a constant issue for Omenihu this season, who only has two sacks.
The last time Omenihu had a sack was in Week 6 against the Lions, where he possessed a 63.6 pass rush grade. In fact, Omenihu’s pass grade has quietly dropped over his three-year run with the Chiefs, going from 70.6 in 2023, 57.8 in 2024, and 54.2 in 2025.
This is concerning for the Chiefs because you were expecting the 28-year-old defender to play a factor off the edge, along with rookie Ashton Gillotte and Mike Danna. Danna was brought back on a one-year, $8 million deal this season, but has been a disaster.
Between those two vets, it cost the Chiefs $12 million in total, which could’ve been used to find another pass rusher. However, Kansas City was determined to run it back with those veterans, and it has not paid off. The Chiefs are ranked 24th in the league with 22 sacks, which won't cut it for this team to make it back to the playoffs.
If Omenihu doesn’t find a way to help generate a consistent pass rush and get to the QB, the Chiefs are better off going elsewhere in the offseason to find another guy, whether that’s in free agency or the NFL draft.
The Chiefs should use the draft to help bolster their defensive line depth and get younger, as their free-agent signings/re-signings have been lackluster this season.