Most rookies need time to get acclimated to the speed of the NFL. But Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis has already given the Chiefs quite an edge.
Karlaftis, the first-round pick out of Purdue, had six quarterback pressures in Sunday’s season-opening win against the Arizona Cardinals. His six pressures were the most by a rookie in Week 1. Karlaftis, however, credited Andy Reid’s practices for helping him get ready for the change of pace going from preseason to regular season.
“It was definitely fast,” Karlaftis said. “It was a lot faster, but we practice at a certain level that prepares you for that game speed. Our coaches and the veterans and the guys around me in the D-line room did a great job in helping me prepare and be ready for that speed change because there is one.”
There’s also another big difference — playing two games in five days, which is what the Chiefs and Chargers will be doing when they meet at 7:15 p.m. Thursday at Arrowhead Stadium for a Week 2 matchup.
Karlaftis played at Arrowhead in the preseason, but teammates have told him there’s nothing like Arrowhead during the regular season and playoffs.
“I’m really excited,” Karlaftis said. “The preseason, it was awesome just seeing the fans. So I’m excited to see all the intensity everybody’s always talking about and how it’s going to escalate from the preseason.”
The Chargers are led by third-year quarterback Justin Herbert, who threw for three touchdowns Sunday in a win against the Raiders. Herbert, who has thrown for at least 30 touchdowns in each of his first two seasons, also is not afraid to run the football. He has rushed for 537 yards and scored eight touchdowns on the ground in his career.
“This guy is one of the best we’re going to play,” Karlaftis said. “We have a lot of respect for him on the defensive side, and he’s going to bring a lot of challenges. But I think we’re going to be ready and I’m just excited to go against a divisional rival.”
Knowing there would be a short week for Week 2, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said the Chiefs spent a good chunk of time preparing for the Chargers during training camp. Spagnuolo also said he has been impressed with the Chiefs rookie class thus far, especially Karlaftis after his performance against Arizona.
“George was solid,” Spagnuolo said. “He came right up to me afterward and gave me the two or three things he did wrong, which is George. He’s always going to try to get better, but I thought he helped us.”
Now the Chiefs are hoping Karlaftis can take another step forward against the Chargers, like he did against the Cardinals.
“You watch the game tape, and you want some plays back,” Karlaftis said. “But I was proud of myself for kind of getting out there and playing. I made a couple mistakes here and there.
“I see a lot to improve on in terms of technique and just everything about the game. But I felt like I did some good, some bad, and there’s a lot to improve nonetheless.”
MCDUFFIE PLACED ON IR
The Chiefs placed rookie defensive back and first-round pick Trent McDuffie on injured reserve Tuesday with a hamstring injury. McDuffie, who didn’t allow a pass into his coverage area Sunday, must now miss the next four games.
The Chiefs also could be without kicker Harrison Butker on Thursday. Butker injured his left ankle on a kickoff during the first half Sunday but later returned. Butker, however, has swelling in the ankle.
The Chiefs signed kicker Matt Ammendola to the practice squad and likely will play if Butker can’t.
