Three KC Chiefs players who need to step up against Bengals

Chris Jones

In their last two matchups, the Chiefs have only managed to sack Joe Burrow twice. Joe Burrow is an elite quarterback whose biggest strength is the ability to get the ball out of his hands quickly and accurately. Though his short time to throw presents a challenge for Chiefs pass rushers, their ability to pressure and sack Burrow will be the determining factor in this game.

Chris Jones is enjoying the best year of his career, though there has been a lot of talk surrounding his inability to record a single sack in the playoffs. In Jones’ defense, however, he is the most game-wrecking player on the Chiefs’ defense whether he records a sack or not. When he chooses to turn it on, Jones has proved he can become unblockable.

When Jones is hot, his influence on the game cannot be understated. He consistently draws double teams allowing other pass rushers to get home and sack opposing quarterbacks. Likewise, he can collapse the pocket and flush quarterbacks outside, often resulting in them simply throwing it away. Further still, Jones has proven a knack to bat down balls when he’s engaged with a blocker.

All said, Jones has 15.5 sacks on the year while simultaneously freeing up his fellow defensive linemen. Winning in the trenches and getting pressure on Burrow will be the biggest, yet most important test of the game.

The challenges presented by the Bengals to a banged-up Mahomes-led Chiefs squad are certainly daunting, though they can certainly be overcome. Everyone knows what’s at stake and it should be expected for the Chiefs to bring their A game against a team that has beaten them three times straight.

If Orlando Brown Jr. can buy Mahomes time, if Pacheco can be leaned on, and if Chris Jones can wreck the injury-plagued Bengals offensive line, the Chiefs will enjoy their fifth Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.