Over the last two seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs have received minimal production out of their defensive line and are hoping that changes during the upcoming 2021 season. To help with that, Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has kicked star defensive tackle Chris Jones to the outside, opposite teammate Frank Clark, to play defensive end.
During media availability following Kansas City’s one of three mandatory practices Tuesday, Clark was noticeably happy about Jones moving to DE, as previously reported by Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride.
Of course, what’s not to love? Chris Jones is easily the best defensive lineman the Chiefs have on the roster, and moving him to the outside puts him in a spot where he’s more comfortable and is allowed to do what he does best, and that’s harass opposing quarterbacks by coming off the edge.
When Kansas City switched their defensive scheme from the 3-4 to the 4-3 in 2019, Jones played just fine in the middle of the d-line, registering a combined 16.5 sacks and 72 tackles since moving to defensive tackle the same year. However, Jones proved on the stat sheet that his best handy work comes when he’s playing on the outside. In his final season as a 3-4 defensive end, Jones set career highs with 15.5 sacks and 40 tackles in 2018.
Moving to the outside also helps defensive end Frank Clark.
In 2019, Clark was paid handsomely by Kansas City to be a double-digit sack master, and so far, he barely fits the bill of what the team is asking of him following two underwhelming seasons.
To give Clark some benefit of the doubt, his first two seasons were spent being double-teamed by the majority of opposing offensive lines and dealing with a minor injury when he first arrived in Kansas City. That being said, Clark will definitely need to deliver this season, or his job may be at stake if 2021 happens to be another mediocre year for him.
One thing’s for sure, Jones moving to the defensive end definitely eases the pressure off of Clark and evens the playing field, essentially forcing an offensive line to pick its poison when they choose to double-team someone. It also helps the interior of the defensive line by keeping opposing offensive lines honest and affording Derrick Nnadi and newly acquired DT Jarran Reed time to do the dirty work necessary to seal off rushing lanes and bull-rushing the quarterback in certain situations.
The Chiefs’ coaching staff is also hoping the combination of Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Jarran Reed, and Frank Clark will also help shore up the team’s struggles to stop opposing rushing threats. The Chiefs have not been able to effectively stop the run since the 2015 season. Since then, Kansas City has ranked 21st or worse in run defense in each of the last five seasons, according to Pro Football Reference.
Of course, linebacking play will also be a contributing factor to help the team’s woes against the run. However, it’s up to the defensive line to hold their own and gain penetration at the point of attack. Kansas City hasn’t been able to do that consistently in seasons past but is hoping that changes in the upcoming season.
With Training Camp and Pre-Season just around the corner in the coming months, the defensive line will play one of several position groups to keep an eye on as the season approaches.
