Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones outlines the key defensive matchup of the game vs. Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2
This is where the Chiefs need to excel.
The game of football begins in the trenches.
Over the last few years the Philadelphia Eagles have formed one of the most physical offenses in the league not just in current times, but in NFL history. Running back Saquon Barkley is coming off a historic 2024 season, Jalen Hurts is among the best running quarterbacks around, and Philadelphia’s infamous “tush push” play is nearly unstoppable.
The Kansas City Chiefs have had one of the top defenses in the NFL over the past three years, but have been in a rut between Super Bowl LIX and last week’s 2025 season opener. The unit’s ability to bring down the QB has diminished, going from ranking second in the league in sacks during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, down to 17th in 2024.
Chiefs DT Chris Jones is embracing the challenge of playing the Eagles’ offensive line
As good as Barkley and Hurts are, they wouldn’t be at the level they’re at without the dominant play of their guys up front. While speaking to the media on Thursday, Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones had nothing but praise for Philadelphia’s offensive line.
“That’s well coached group, very cohesive group,” Jones said. “Got some big bodies. They got a lot of talent over there. Lane Johnson, the left tackle, they have some of the better tackles in the league. Landon Dickerson, he’s a style guy. The center (Cam Jurgens), who Jason Kelce picked, kind of mirrors to Jason Kelce’s game. The right guard who came from Alabama (Tyler Steen) is very huge [and] athletic. Offers a good challenge to us as a defensive line to get after it. We love to compete against this type of talent. It gives us a challenge to compete against a better offensive line and get after it.”
All things considered, the Chiefs’ defense played pretty well against the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. It was put in a lot of tough situations due to Kansas City’s offense committing three turnovers. However, the defense did record two sacks and one interception against Hurts, and held Barkley to just 2.3 yards per carry.
One area it could do a better job in is containing Hurts in the pocket. Hurts rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown during last year’s Super Bowl, and racked up 70 rushing yards and three TDs against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. That will require K.C. to not only get pressure on Hurts, but for defenders to stay disciplined in their lanes.
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