The season is over for the Kansas City Chiefs, at least in terms of any level of official glory or results worth remembering. For a team that's missed out on a single Super Bowl in the last six seasons, it's a shocking development and pivotal point for all parties involved. With three games to go, the Chiefs have nothing to play for on paper.
That's not going to stymie the Chiefs, at least if Chris Jones is speaking for the locker room. Following the team's loss on Sunday to the Los Angeles Chargers, a setback that knocked them completely out of playoff contention before Week 16, Jones says the Chiefs still have plenty to play for.
When addressing reporters following the loss, Jones spoke highly of his "resilient" teammates and said the mindset is still strong despite knowing there are still games remaining on the schedule—even with the season's disappointing outcome locked in.
Chris Jones says the Kansas City Chiefs are focused on finishing strong and building something that carries into next season.
"Every year is a journey. Success is rented every year. Every year you get to rent success and sometimes it doesn’t go the way you planned for it to go. That’s a learning curve for you guys, especially us. I think we learned a lot every year, and we understand the fact that in order to be successful, it’s an everyday thing. It’s not a one week put in and then the next week… no it’s a consistent thing. It’s rented every year.
"Just because last year’s team went to the Super Bowl, that doesn’t guarantee success, you know what I mean? We’ve got three more games, which we’ve gotta finish strong still as competitors, as employees of this organization. I think that’s important, to play with pride. Most importantly, play for yourself, the name on the back of your jersey, but also the name on the front of your jersey."
Jones has been around long enough to know that success ebbs and flows, and given the Chiefs' track record, it's quite possible (even probable) that the postseason will come calling after a winter away. That makes these next three games important ones for a team that will look to test younger players and build some real momentum and confidence in the face of such a frustrating turn.
"I think it’s going to be competitive for us and we’re going to keep on going—something to build on looking forward to next year," said Jones. Fans will see what's left in the tanks of players in Week 16 when the Chiefs travel to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans.