Kansas City Chiefs star defensive lineman Chris Jones hasn't been his normal dominant self of late, netting two sacks through nine games this season.
Asked earlier this week about the perception regarding Jones' lack of production, Andy Reid pointed out that the entire front needs to improve.
"I think we all need to do better, I would say that," Reid said on Monday, via the team's official transcript. "Chris is always striving to do better every day. That's what has made him such a good player. Again, he's the guy that they're going to focus on, and if you're getting a double team, that's who's getting doubled. He'll get his as we go forward, it's just important that he stays consistent and keeps working hard."
Jones is still one of the best pass-rushing interior defenders -- his nine quick pressures (under 2.5 seconds) this season rank tied for sixth among DTs, per Next Gen Stats -- but his impact isn't what we've come used to seeing from the three-time first-team All-Pro.
The struggles in recent weeks have been particularly noticeable. In the past three Chiefs games, Jones has compiled just two quarterback pressures, with one sack. In that trio of games, he has zero quick pressures. His 36.3% double-team rate is about normal for a defensive tackle, and well below other top DTs like Jeffery Simmons (45.1%), DeForest Buckner (48.7%), Jalen Carter (42.4%), Dexter Lawrence (60.1%), etc.
K.C. didn't add to the defensive line at the trade deadline, with the signing of Mike Pennel last month its most significant in-season move. The Chiefs (5-4) are counting on Jones to pick up his production down the stretch.
The Chiefs defense remains a stout unit, with a physical secondary and Steve Spagnuolo's ability to dial up the blitzes. But coming off the bye week against the division-leading Denver Broncos (8-2), K.C. needs a more dominant Jones if it's to plow their way back for another deep playoff run.
