When Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones first met new defensive line coach Joe Cullen, the two immediately hit it off.
They both expressed their love for pass rushing and talked about how important it would be in the success of the 2022 Chiefs defense. They also discussed the culture the defense would need to have if the Chiefs were going to return to Super Bowl glory.
Two weeks into training camp in St. Joe, Mo., there are signs that the future might be bright with how the Chiefs defense is playing. And they’ll get their first chance to show it during the team’s preseason opener at noon on Saturday at Chicago.
“Just being gritty,” Jones said. “I think we left a lot of opportunities our last game of the season out on the field. And we were able to make a few changes in the defensive line room. I think this year it’s about being gritty, stopping the run, stopping the pass, and doing whatever we can to help this defense out.”
While there are several new faces on the defensive side of the ball, Jones still makes a point to lead by example.
“I have a mission here, especially when stepping on this practice field,” Jones said. “Our mission is to get one percent better every day. And it’s a balance. You can come out here and have fun, but make sure you’re doing your highest capability on the field and making sure that you’re leading guys as an example. I take that personal, especially when I’m stepping on the field.”
Cullen, who spent five years coaching the D-line in Baltimore before coaching the Jaguars defensive line last season, has seen Jones take charge at camp. And he believes the seventh-year veteran is on track to have his best season as a pro.
“I’ve always liked Chris from afar,” Cullen said. “I really tried to get him, but obviously he went earlier and couldn’t get him. But I love the way he has always played, and he’s really buying into working his best every day, and he’s done that out here. He’s done a great job consistently getting better every day, and I love working with him. He’s smart but he tries to do exactly what you’re trying to teach him to do.
“Our first goal is to win that Lombardi trophy. And for us to get there, and get the opportunity to do that, he has to have a career year. And that means not only sacking the quarterback but knocking the run out. And that’s something we’ve stressed with him.”
At this point, the only thing Jones doesn’t have in his career is a postseason sack. But he’s planning on getting one this season.
“I got a championship ring,” Jones said. “So, when you’re talking about postseason sacks, I’m not really striving for postseason sacks. The gameplan can change, the ordeal of the D-line can change. So, when you talk about that, I have a ring. I have more rings than sacks, but this year I’ll get a sack if it makes you all happy.”
CHIEFS SIGN DT SHELTON
The Chiefs signed veteran defensive tackle Danny Shelton to a one-year contract. Shelton, who was a first-round pick by the Browns in 2015, spent three years in Cleveland, two seasons in New England and one year each with the Lions and Giants.
