Three takeaways from KC Chiefs Week 2 snap counts
By Jacob Milham
The Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious in a thrilling game against the Los Angeles Chargers. What are some takeaways from who did, and did not, play?
The Kansas City Chiefs got a head start on reaching the 2-0 mark in 2022 after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers, 27-24. It was a nerve-wracking game for Chiefs fans after the Chargers took a double-digit lead in Arrowhead Stadium. The game turned into a messy affair for both teams, filled with injuries, close calls, and penalties. All in all, the Chiefs emerged as the victors, and that is what matters most.
It was a balanced game for the Chiefs, with their depth on full display. The Chiefs recorded 70 total offensive snaps and 75 total defensive snaps, a balanced game similar to last week’s matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.
All five starting offensive linemen and quarterback Patrick Mahomes were the offensive players on the field for all offensive snaps. Meanwhile, defensive backs L’Jarius Sneed and Justin Reid were the only defensive players playing 100% of Kansas City’s defensive snaps. Mahomes’ and right guard Trey Smith’s injury concerns did not impact their playing time, a positive sign for the team.
What are some other takeaways from this week’s snap counts?
George Karlaftis is already DE1
In 2022, rookie defensive end George Karlaftis was unquestionably the defensive end of the future. His case for the defensive end of the present was unclear, though. The Chiefs rostered veterans like Frank Clark and Carlos Dunlap, plus valued depth player Michael Danna. The Chiefs’ investment in Karlaftis was not going to drive his playing time. He would have to show he deserved that spot as top dog.
He took a big step in Week 1, recording a start and multiple pressures on Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Karlaftis’ role took another big step forward this week against the Chargers. He not only out-snapped Danna, Clark, and Dunlap but also defensive tackle Chris Jones and led the defensive line in total snaps. He leads all Chiefs rookies in snaps so far in 2022.
What was different about Karlaftis’ Week 2 usage was his lining up all over the defensive line. While he primarily lined up as a true defensive end, he logged multiple snaps inside the guard (A-gap), inside the tackle (B-gap), and head-on over the tackle. Obviously, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is still feeling out Karlaftis’ best role, but he is already a key player in the defensive scheme.
With Clark’s sporadic illnesses and Dunlap’s age, Karlaftis is proving himself as an every-down player in Kansas City. Barring an injury or he starts becoming a liability, Karlaftis should out-snap all defensive ends in 2022.