For the first time in two seasons, Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones is spending more time at his more natural defensive end position. Ever since the team switched from the 3-4 defensive scheme to the 4-3 in 2019, Jones had to make the adjustment playing next to Derrick Nnadi as a defensive tackle.
In hopes of generating a more consistent pass rush and finding an answer for a almost non-existent run defense, the Chiefs are moving one of their top defensive players to the outside of the d-line and he couldn’t be happier.
Following Thursday’s practice, Jones thanked God he was finally returning to his old defensive end spot and credited the move to lock up former Seattle DT Jarran Reed during free agency for allowing him to go back to playing on the outside of the defensive line.
“Jarran Reed kind of came in here and gave the coaches the flexibility to move me around,” said Jones. “By him being who he is and having such a big presence along the line of scrimmage [at] his position, [playing] 3-tech (aligning on the outside shoulder of a guard between the guard and tackle), which we play the same position, it freed me up to go and move to the outside and let him dominate the line of scrimmage from the inside,” he explained.
In preparation for moving back to the outside along the defensive line, Jones said he took up yoga and pilates three times a week. Instead of the 310-pounds that he’s listed as, the All-Pro defensive lineman reported to St. Joe, weighing approximately 15-to-20-pounds lighter.
“It’s been fun. It’s been different,” smiled Jones. “I can do some positions now I never thought I could do, but it’s fun. I usually do Pilates during the offseason, but I started a little earlier this year for my flexibility,” he explained. “Bending the edge is a little different from taking the turn on the 3-tech, so I wanted to be a little more flexible on bending the edge, and I was able to work on my flexibility a lot.”
Jones also spent his off-season watching game film of some of the top defensive ends in the league.
“Instead of watching 3-tech, I’m kind of mismatching, watching a few 3-techs, a few D-ends,” explained Jones. “Cam Jordan, you know, guys who have set the stage for defensive ends in this league. Myles Garrett, Joey Bosa, you know, those types of guys who have made a name for themselves at the position of defensive end.”
The last time Jones lined up at the defensive end was in 2018, where he made a career-high 15.5 sacks in 16 games. Following all the work he’s put in during the offseason, and now in training camp, Jones said his eyes set on crushing that number.
“We are trying to break the record, baby,” declared Jones. “We are trying to break the record. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. The record. We’re trying to have the best D-line in the league, first and foremost. We’re trying to be dominant throughout this whole season, but we’re trying to challenge each other to get better day in and day out. If we do that, this D-line will be where we want to be.”
