Four stellar defensive standouts from Chiefs vs. Seahawks
By Matt Conner
George Karlaftis
It’s taken some time for George Karlaftis to really get moving this season for the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Chiefs Kingdom knew that much was needed going in.
Most pass rushers need considerable time when adjusting from the college ranks, where elite players can dominate on their skill set alone. So far this year, even a top pick like Aidan Hutchinson has 7 total sacks on the year, which shows the ceiling for rookies is typically lower in that first campaign as they hone their technique and learn the speed of the game at the pro level.
For Karlaftis, the year started fairly slowly but he’s been coming on very strong in recent weeks and the Chiefs look like they have a real stud in the making. On Saturday afternoon against the Seattle Seahawks, Karlaftis enjoyed another strong outing that showed just how much he’s grown since the beginning of the season. He’s also showing what a consistent performer he can be week after week for a team that needs that sort of cornerstone.
Early in the first half, the Chiefs leaned on Karlaftis to once again put up his hands in passing lanes to bat down a throw from Geno Smith on a fourth down conversion attempt. The result was a turnover on downs to give the ball back to the Chiefs. That was Karlaftis’ 7th such deflection, which ties him for first overall in the NFL
Shortly thereafter, Karlaftis also got home on Smith for a nine-yard sack that provided the defense with another stop. It was sack number 4.5 on the year, which places him only 2.5 behind Hutchinson for the rookie lead. However, it’s telling that it was his fourth in five games. He also came into Week 16 with four straight games with a tackle for a loss.
In short, Karlaftis is giving Chiefs fans and brass everything they’d want to see from a rookie defensive end. He’s showing a solid learning curve and coming on strong at season’s end. He’s been reliable with a non-stop motor throughout. He’s still only 21 with plenty of time ahead of him, and it looks as if he could be the sort of building block lacking up front for years.