Chris Jones named AFC Defensive Player of the Month

The Kansas City Chiefs now boast the AFC’s defensive player of the month in both October and November with Chris Jones’ win.

Last month, Dee Ford earned the honor. This month, Chris Jones is the man.

The Kansas City Chiefs defense boasts two straight AFC Defensive Player of the Month honors with the news that Jones has been called November’s winner in his conference. Eddie Jackson, safety for the Chicago Bears, was named the same in the NFC.

Jones has been a beast for the Chiefs all year long, but he’s picked up significant momentum ever since the first month of the season wrapped up.  Through October 1, Jones had zero sacks, 3 tackles for a loss, and 3 quarterback hits to his name. Ever since, in his last seven games, Jones has an incredible 9 sacks (including 4 in his last 2 games), 10 tackles for a loss, 12 quarterback hits, 2 forced fumbles and even an interception return for a touchdown.

Before the season, Jones said he wanted to lead the NFL in sacks, and while he might not reach that goal this season—unless he really catches fire at a record-breaking pace this last month—it’s clear he has the talent to do so. The ceiling on Jones was always believed to be as high as Jones would allow it, and his focus, determination, work ethic and skill set is proving that to be true. Jones should now be in any conversation about the league’s elite defensive linemen, and a first time Pro Bowl nod should be coming his way as the season ends.

Jones has already set career marks with sacks (9), tackles for loss (13) and quarterback hits (15) with five games to go. If Jones can continue his hot streak, he will make himself a lot of money with an extension looming for him soon enough from the Chiefs.