In the midst of their bye week in the 2024 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs are reflecting on their successes thus far. One key player who has stood out is none other than Chris Jones, who has been named the team’s Most Valuable Player by the Arrowhead Pride writing staff.
While the Chiefs’ offense often steals the spotlight, it’s their defense that has truly made a difference this season, with Jones leading the charge. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses with three sacks, 21 quarterback pressures (ranking 12th in the NFL), and his significant role in the team’s elite run defense has not gone unnoticed.
In Week 5, Jones put on a show with a season-high nine quarterback pressures against the New Orleans Saints, earning an impressive 93.2 rating from Pro Football Focus. This is just one example of his consistent impact on the field, as he has recorded at least six pressures in four games this season.
Despite not always showing up on the stat sheet, Jones’ relentless pressure forces quarterbacks into making mistakes, which directly contributes to the Chiefs’ ability to shut down their opponents. The team’s defense currently ranks among the league’s best, allowing the eighth-fewest total yards per game and the sixth-fewest points per game.
Playing a career-high 78% of the team’s defensive snaps, Jones has been a central figure in the Chiefs’ defensive success. His presence on the field has created opportunities for his teammates, like Tershawn Wharton and Chamarri Conner, to excel in one-on-one matchups and execute blitzes, further strengthening the Chiefs’ defensive efforts.
Jones has solidified his role as a game-closing force for the Chiefs, showcasing his value beyond just the statistics. As the team enters the second half of the season, all eyes will be on Jones and his impact on the field.
