On and off the field chemistry could make these Chiefs defensive linemen a dynamic duo in 2024
Perhaps the most underrated move the Kansas City Chiefs made last year was bringing back defensive lineman Mike Pennel. After spending most of the season on the practice squad, Pennel joined the 53-man roster in December for the final stretch run. When fellow defensive linemen Derrick Nnadi and Charles Omenihu went down during the postseason, […]
Perhaps the most underrated move the Kansas City Chiefs made last year was bringing back defensive lineman Mike Pennel.
After spending most of the season on the practice squad, Pennel joined the 53-man roster in December for the final stretch run. When fellow defensive linemen Derrick Nnadi and Charles Omenihu went down during the postseason, Pennel stepped up big for Kansas City.
Pennel was the unsung hero for the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, recording six total tackles, two solo and one for a loss. That led to K.C. bringing the 11-year veteran back on a one-year deal for 2024. He could be in line to start next to All-Pro Chris Jones, who Pennel has a close relationship with on and off the field.
Here's what Pennel had to say after Sunday's training camp practice when asked what he thinks himself and Jones bring to the interior of the defensive line.
“To be honest, everybody knows how great Chris (Jones) is, the numbers speak for themselves, the accolades do as well," Pennel said. "We put the tape on, me and him in there together, we work well together, we watch film together. My intent is to make us a stout and top run defense. Not only in the playoffs like we did last year, recently but through the entire regular season so (that) by the playoffs it’s not an issue of concern or anything like that.”
Pennel also talked about how Jones helps him as a study partner.
"Me and Chris have a relationship where, you know, most of the time we're spending all day together, we're both watching film. You know how detailed he is on the pass. I try to be on the run game to make his job easier, put them in situations of third and long which are guaranteed pass situations. And then him having, you know, the tendency to his knowledge of the game makes my job easier when I know they're running now."
Pennel's strength against the run and Jones' strength in passing rushing complements well. Studying together in the film room will keep them on the same page while on the field and lead to less mistakes and more efficiency. With a combined 20 years of NFL experience, there aren't too many situations they haven't faced.
The Chiefs' defense established itself as one of the best units in the league last season. Its veteran defensive line is one of the major reasons for that. K.C. finished second in sacks in 2023 and its run defense stepped up in a big way during the playoffs against four of the best rushing offenses in the NFL.
