5 dream scenarios for Chiefs in 2023 season
By Kristen Wong
Chiefs’ Dream Scenario No. 3: Another DPOY campaign for Chris Jones
Everyone knows the Chiefs’ offense is lethal. In 2023, the defense needs to kick it up a notch, and that could start with another successful season from star pass-rusher Chris Jones.
Jones, who is patiently waiting for his new blockbuster deal, recorded 15.5 sacks in his DPOY season in 2022. One of his most memorable plays was taking down Joe Burrow in the waning moments of the AFC Championship game; without Jones’ defensive prowess, there’s no way the Chiefs make it to that Super Bowl.
Jones leading the cavalry may not be enough this season, and other members of the defense must share the workload with him. Charles Omenihu, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, and George Karlaftis get sacks early and often. Justin Reid and the secondary stay stout and ranks in the top 10 in passing yards allowed. More forced turnovers, more domination in the trenches, and more reliability from Steve Spagnuolo’s unit will unlock a cheat code for the 2023 season.
Up against the AFC’s cream-of-the-crop quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Josh Allen, the Chiefs defense may be asked and expected to make game-saving plays. Chris Jones is the lone inspirational standout in an otherwise glossed-over group — everyone else, do better.