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Ridiculous Defensive Line Ranking Disrespects Chiefs

By Joe Summers

Dec 31, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) celebrates after a sack during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) celebrates after a sack during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports / Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
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The Chiefs have one of the NFL's most ferocious defensive lines, having ranked in the top three in the league in sacks each of the last two years. Despite Kansas City's excellence, some aren't recognizing the group relative to the competition.

Pro Football Focus released its rankings of the top defensive lines in the NFL, putting the Chiefs 14th. Chris Jones' presence alone should put them in the top 10, but George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu, and Derrick Nnadi are quality players as well.

Kansas City has one of the five best defensive lines in the NFL, and the players have tremendous continuity with each other and within the scheme. Respectfully, this ranking is egregious.

PFF Gives Chiefs 14th-Best Defensive Line in Disrespectful Ranking

If you don't think the Chiefs have an elite defensive line, just ask the 49ers or Ravens. Kansas City disrupted Brock Purdy and Lamar Jackson in critical moments, helping lead to the franchise's second consecutive Super Bowl.

PFF writes, "Chris Jones is arguably the best interior defender in football now that Aaron Donald has retired, and the Chiefs kept him in town this offseason. He leads all defensive tackles in total pressures over the past three years."

However, they seem to underrate the Jones' supporting cast. They continue, "George Karlaftis improved in Year 2 and was solid on the edge, while Charles Omenihu is something of a question mark, given his torn ACL in the AFC Championship game in January. If he can come back fully healthy, this is a group that could improve on this ranking."

Even if Omenihu isn't the same player who recorded seven sacks in 11 games last year, I still think the group is much better than 14th. Mike Danna had 5.5 sacks in the first eight weeks last year, most of which he spent filling in for Omenihu, and 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah should improve in his second season.

If people want to keep underestimating the Chiefs' defense, be my guest. Steve Spagnuolo's unit will once again be among the NFL's best and it all starts with the defensive line.

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