NFL players -and just athletes, in general- have to have short memories. They can't harp on past mistakes or negative developments because it can affect their future(s).

Therefore, when a player misses out on an opportunity, there is time for reflection. But at the same time, there needs to be some sense of progression.

There's a middle ground, as well: Athletes can use their past experiences, or failures, as fuel/motivation for their next opportunity.

And that's exactly what Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones did against the Cincinnati Bengals during Sunday's AFC Championship matchup.

"My whole offseason was dedicated to this game," Jones told reporters after the game. "I missed a few big plays last year… And I put that on my shoulders. So, this offseason, I dedicated my whole offseason to making sure when that moment calls for me, again, specifically, that I'll answer the call."

One of the big plays Jones is referring to is his two missed sack opportunities on Joe Burrow in the fourth quarter of the 2021-2022 AFC Championship matchup. Jones had a chance to sack Burrow twice on the play below, but couldn't make the play as he watched Burrow scamper for a first down:

Chris Jones has played in 13 playoff games and NEVER recorded a sack. Coming off arguably his best season, he’s probably been thinking of this missed opportunity in last years AFC Championship game for an entire year now. An extra motivated Jones against a banged up OL is scary. pic.twitter.com/P9DdE39e09

— Ben Cummins (@BenCumminsFF) January 29, 2023

Well, Jones didn't let opportunity slip through his fingers on Sunday night. The four-time Pro Bowler finished the game with 2.0 sacks, four total tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, and five quarterback hits.

The 2.0 sacks also represented the first sacks of Jones' postseason career, which is a big deal considering he played in a previous total of 13 postseason games without recording a sack.

But, Jones doesn't care. Which is the best part. It's not about stats with him, it's about winning, at the end of the day.

"Y'all [the media] make it bigger than what it is," Jones said when asked about breaking this streak of sack-less playoff games. "I really, personally don't care about stats in the playoffs. My job is to make sure that I play hard, play physical, set a different side of the line of scrimmage, and make my teammates around me make plays. Whether it's taking a double-team the whole game [or] whether it's getting a 1-on-1 and winning.

"I think you guys actually blew it out of proportion. It doesn't really matter to me, but I'm fortunate that you can guys can have another story like, Chris Jones got a sack."

Jones absolutely dominated on Sunday and many can say it's been a long time coming.

And now, I think it's safe to say the Chiefs -and their fans- should expect even more moving forward.

Featured image via Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK