Chiefs DT Chris Jones ensures Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s most underrated trait gets the attention it deserves
Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones and Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow have a bit of history. It all really stems from the fourth quarter of the 2021 AFC Championship Game, when Burrow ducked a would-be sack from Jones to escape outside the pocket for a second time. He left Jones lunging for his ankles. Jones […]
Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones and Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow have a bit of history.
It all really stems from the fourth quarter of the 2021 AFC Championship Game, when Burrow ducked a would-be sack from Jones to escape outside the pocket for a second time. He left Jones lunging for his ankles. Jones managed his revenge in the 2022 AFC Championship Game, but that initial failure has always left a lasting impression on Jones.
"Joe Burrow is Joe Burrow, man," Jones told reporters on Thursday. "(He's a) great quarterback. Can make all the tough throws. (He's) resilient, and (he has) got a lot of special guys around him."
Burrow's mobility could continue to pose a challenge for the Chiefs
Facing another AFC North team in Week 1 has left Lamar Jackson fresh on the minds of those in Kansas City. Asked about how you maintain stamina after chasing Jackson around for a full four quarters, Jones explained they face an entirely different challenge in Week 2.
"Yeah, it's very challenging chasing Lamar (Jackson) all over the field, as you can see, in the fourth quarter (it) showed at times," Jones said. "Lamar runs. a 4.2, 4.3 (40-yard dash). Joe Burrow runs a 4.7, 4.8 somewhere in that area, but he's still effective on his feet. So, being cognizant of that, I definitely love to chase Joe Burrow around other than Lamar. It always offers a different type of challenge when you're rushing the passer."
Jones knows better than anyone that Burrow can be elusive escaping the pocket. He has that type of underrated mobility that can get glossed over when you talk about the things that make him special as an NFL quarterback. Rest assured that it has been a topic of conversation in the defensive meeting rooms in Kansas City leading up to the Week 2 contest.
"(Bengals QB) Joe Burrow is a heck of a quarterback when throwing the ball and making all the tough throws, but I think his running ability doesn’t go as noticed as everybody sees," Jones said. "He can run the ball exceptionally well. I think he’s a step-up guy – it’s different from (Ravens QB) Lamar (Jackson) where Lamar can run any – A gap, B gap, or C gap. He (Ravens QB Lamar Jackson) can extend plays like that, but I think – Joe Burrow, his running doesn’t get as capitalized as his throwing does, but he’s an effective runner when he has the space. We definitely have to be cognizant of our pass-rushing lanes.”
The Patriots kept Burrow fairly contained in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season both as a passer and a runner. He managed 164 yards passing on the day and carried the ball just four times for 15 yards. He also had a 14-yard scramble that was erased by offsetting penalties. That type of performance might not command a spy like Jackson did with Chiefs LB Leo Chenal a week ago. However, it's still something Kansas City needs to keep in mind. If they get too caught up on what the Bengals didn't do in Week 1, they'll forget what they've been capable of in recent contests against the Chiefs.
“It’s tough," Jones said. "(A) tough challenge and opponent. (They) always give us trouble. It’s always a battle when we face those guys. Whether it’s in a regular game or (an) AFC Championship (Game), we know it’s going to be a four-quarter battle.”
How to watch and stream the Chiefs-Bengals Week 2 game on Sunday
A clash between two of the best teams in the AFC Conference.
