kansascity
In last weekend's defeat to the Denver Broncos, the Kansas City Chiefs showcased a knack for disrupting passes at the line of scrimmage. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix had a solid outing, but the Chiefs' ability to knock down his throws kept the game closer than it might have been otherwise.
The Chiefs deflected six of Nix's pass attempts, with defensive end George Karlaftis accounting for three of them. That performance brought Karlaftis's season total to eight passes defended, a team-high and a new career best. He will aim to build on that tally this Sunday when Kansas City takes on the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium.
Karlaftis attributes his success to being in the right spot at the right time. "Believe it or not, it's not something you really work on as a defensive lineman," Karlaftis said. "If you're not going to get there (for a sack), get your hands up. Sometimes it's a luck thing. Sometimes you help the DBs out by blocking his vision."
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo noted that the Chiefs had identified Nix's throwing motion as one that presented opportunities for deflections. However, sacking the quarterback remains a struggle for Kansas City; the team is tied for last in the NFL with just nine sacks this season and has recorded at least one in only three of its seven games. Karlaftis leads the team with two sacks.
Against Denver, the Chiefs put together a strong effort through three quarters, holding a 24-13 lead entering the fourth and forcing three three-and-outs in the third. But they allowed touchdown drives on the Broncos' next two possessions, and Denver ultimately won 28-24.
"I thought we did a great job through the first half, really the first three quarters," Karlaftis said. "Then, quite honestly, it makes you sick as a defensive player, giving up that 11-point lead. It's on us. It's about finishing. When you're up in the fourth quarter and you lose, it's on the defense. I know I felt it. I know the defense felt it."
Key Analysis
The Chiefs' pass-deflection ability has been a bright spot, but their inability to generate sacks could be a concern against a Jets team that will try to exploit that weakness. Karlaftis's career year in passes defended is a testament to his awareness and timing, but Kansas City will need more from its pass rush to close out games. The matchup with New York offers a chance to rebound, but the defense must finish strong.
Here's what to watch when the Chiefs and Jets meet for the first time since 2023 on Sunday at noon. The game will be televised by CBS (Channel 5 in Kansas City) and streamed on Paramount.
Chiefs player to watch: Running back Kenneth Walker – Walker has found the going tough over the past two games against solid defenses in Seattle and Denver. He was held to 105 yards on 35 attempts and failed to reach the end zone. That came after he averaged 133 rushing yards in the Chiefs' first five games, scoring in four of them. Could the running be easier on Sunday? It works in Walker's favor that the Jets bring the NFL's No. 22 rushing defense to Arrowhead.
Jets player to watch: Linebacker Demario Davis – This will be Davis's 236th career NFL game, but only his fifth against the Chiefs. In his 15th season and third stint with the Jets, Davis has maintained his productivity late in his career. Last year with the Saints, he recorded a career-high 143 tackles. He has had All-Pro and Pro Bowl seasons, and conversations about his Hall of Fame candidacy are beginning to percolate.
Special teams: Chiefs return specialist Emmett Johnson – Johnson is coming off a terrific game at Denver, where he caught passes for 73 and 38 yards, had a 15-yard run in which he broke five tackles, and returned a kickoff 44 yards. He also made a tackle on special teams. Look for the Chiefs to find more ways to get Johnson involved, and continuing to feature him on kickoff returns is one avenue. "What a game," Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub said. "He was in a zone, every time he touched the ball. It was awesome. He's getting every opportunity back there as a return guy. I think teams are going to try and kick it away from him."
Originally reported by kansascity.