Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo describes Chris Jones’ impact on games

The impact of star players doesn't always show up in the stats. The Kansas City Chiefs have several players who fill that role and change games time and time again.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke to the media on Thursday about Chris Jones' impact on games.

“He (Chris Jones) is attracting a lot of double coverage right now. You (the media) have probably done your film studies, so you can see that, right? Yes, he does,” Spagnuolo said. “I mean, we try as best we can to get him on one-person, but that's hard. People tend not to allow that. One of the things we probably need to do better is get longer third attempts.”

Jones recently received a half-sack while helping bring down Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. He has worked well in double coverage, allowing teammates like George Karlaftis to use the matchups to their advantage.

“I told the (defensive) unit this morning that if I did the math right, we only had 19 third-and-two situations. That's really not enough in the game,” Spagnuolo said. “That's only nine and a half per game, but that means you have to play better on first and second down. That's where this team (Atlanta Falcons) is really going to be a challenge because we know they run the ball really well.”

The Chiefs will rely on Jones' dominance in their away game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night.