3 truths and 2 lies from Chiefs win over Jaguars
By Matt Conner
The final result wasn't all that surprising, but it was the way in which the Kansas City Chiefs ground out a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon that shocked everyone. With a strong defensive effort and a sparkplug of a ground game in the second half, the Chiefs were finally able to put away the Jags on the road for their first win of the year in a game with a total of 26 points scored combined.
Given that we're still learning a lot about the Chiefs at this stage, we thought we'd sort out some truths and a lie from Sunday's game to help us better uncover the identity of this year's Chiefs.
Truth: Stone Cold remains Stone Cold
There's no denying the ill will created by Chris Jones with some fans in the midst of his contractual holdout this summer. That happens every time a player wants more money or greater opportunities and refuses to play for his team in the midst of such a battle. Fans have turned on many Chiefs (or former Chiefs) over the years and Jones wasn't going to be immune when he decided to sit out when the games counted.
For his part, however, Jones did keep the damage to a minimum by returning after a single game away during the regular season. He also showed that he's absolutely essential to the Chiefs' efforts to make another Super Bowl run with an incredible showing despite missing all of training camp.
Coming into Week 2, the Chiefs made it clear Jones would play but just how much was in question. As it turned out, Jones would play plenty for all four quarters and, in the process, he would rack up the kind of stats that made him a perennial Pro Bowler year after year. Against Trevor Lawrence and company, Jones picked on a young and limited front line with 1.5 sacks and another tackle for loss. His presence also allowed the pass rush unit as a whole to combine for 7 QB hits and 4 sacks—including 1.5 for second-year lineman George Karlaftis.
Jones might have some personal fences to mend inside and outside of Arrowhead, but on the field, he proved himself to be as professionally effective as ever. That's going to be a huge boost to the Chiefs going forward.