'He's a skilled rusher' – Kansas City Chiefs DE George Karlaftis is changing the narrative about himself as a player
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis is coming off arguably the best game of his three-year NFL career. Last week in the divisional playoff round against the Houston Texans, Karlaftis recorded five total tackles, three sacks, and four quarterback hits. All three of his sacks came during the fourth quarter, as he almost single-handedly […]
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis is coming off arguably the best game of his three-year NFL career.
Last week in the divisional playoff round against the Houston Texans, Karlaftis recorded five total tackles, three sacks, and four quarterback hits. All three of his sacks came during the fourth quarter, as he almost single-handedly closed out the game for the Chiefs.
Karlaftis' stats dipped a bit from 2023 to 2024, going from 47 tackles and 10.5 sacks to 35 tackles and eight sacks. However, he did post a career-high 37 QB pressures in 2024. Ever since he came out of Purdue, Karlaftis has had the label of a "high motor guy" rather than someone who has refined skills.
While speaking to the media on Friday, Chiefs defensive tackle Charles Omenihu had a rebuttal on that school of though regarding Karlaftis, calling him a skilled rusher.
"They try to box George in as a motor guy, high effort guy, but he's a skilled rusher," Omenihu said. "He knows what he does well and beats guys with it, and he showed up in the playoffs when it matters the most. I just tell George, join the party and strip the ball, you know what I'm saying? But nah, George is a great player. He can rush, he can play the run. Complete guy. Can drop [into coverage]. So, he's done everything that this organization has asked, and has been consistent since he's gotten here."
Karlaftis doesn't get a ton of hype because he isn't a flashy player. He's an old school throwback, and he's quiet and humble off the field. While it's true that he does have a high motor, that isn't his only good quality. He has a nice blend of power and speed and is very detailed in his preparation during practice throughout the week.
Perhaps Karlaftis has saved his best for the postseason. If he picks up where he left off against Houston and dominates against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Championship Game, he'll definitely get more recognition and praise for his game. The Chiefs will be leaning on him as it will be crucial to get a pass rush against quarterback Josh Allen.
