Chiefs DE George Karlaftis among most effective pass-rushers in NFL through Week 3
It is becoming increasingly apparent that Furious George has taken a monster step forward in his second year as a professional. Chiefs DE George Karlaftis is off to a hot start to the 2023 NFL season, with two sacks through three weeks of play. But as we all know, sack numbers aren't the only thing […]
It is becoming increasingly apparent that Furious George has taken a monster step forward in his second year as a professional.
Chiefs DE George Karlaftis is off to a hot start to the 2023 NFL season, with two sacks through three weeks of play. But as we all know, sack numbers aren't the only thing that matters when it comes to rushing the passer. In just his second NFL campaign, Karlaftis is pressuring the quarterback at a rate that we've not seen from him before.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Karlaftis has generated at least three pressures in every game this season and has practically doubled his pressure rate from a season ago. That includes a career-high of six pressures against the Bears in Week 3 with just 20 pass rush attempts. That's good for a 30% pressure rate.
As things currently stand, Karlaftis has a total of 16 pressures in the 2023 NFL season, and he finds himself in elite company. Only Detroit Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson (19), Las Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby (19), Pittsburgh Steelers OLB T.J. Watt (19), Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett (18), and Dallas Cowboys OLB Micah Parsons (17) have more pressures this season per Chiefs team reporter Matt McMullen. The 16 pressures from Karlaftis through three games, is a third of his pressure total (48) from his rookie season.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid attributed the progress they've seen from Karlaftis this season to his tremendous work ethic off the field.
“Listen. George (Karlaftis) is a hard worker off of the field," Reid said last Monday. "This offseason has helped him. He put on a little weight, good weight, worked his tail off with (former Chiefs defensive end) Tamba (Hali)."
If Karlaftis keeps this up during the remainder of the season, Chris Jones might not be the team's end-of-season pressure leader for the first time since 2018. Right now, he's pacing to have over 80 pressures by the end of the year.
Chiefs’ Week 3 snap counts: Rashee Rice hits snap milestone
Observations from the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 3 snap counts against the Chicago Bears.
Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
