Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones had one of the better mic drops in team history on Friday.
When Jones, who likes to joke around, finished addressing the media, he said, “See you all at Burrowhead Stadium,” then promptly walked off the stage. Jones referenced “Burrowhead” three times on Friday — a clear sign that he and his teammates were not happy with the nickname the Cincinnati Bengals have given to Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Chiefs and the site where Joe Burrow and the Bengals defeated the Chiefs in the AFC title game last year.
Now Jones and the Chiefs can get a little payback when they take on the Bengals at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Arrowhead.
“God is good,” Jones said. “It’s like a full 360, right? Same thing, same circumstances, under ‘Burrowhead Stadium.’ So, I’m feeling good about it.”
Even if the trash talk wasn’t enough, Jones likely would still be playing Sunday’s game with a chip on his shoulder. In last year’s AFC title game Jones had Burrow in his grasp twice but couldn’t bring him down.
Those two plays have stuck with Jones and helped fuel his fire this season, which was one of the best of his career. Jones tied a career-high 15.5 sacks and is a finalist for the defensive player of the year award. Jones, though, has yet to record a sack in the playoffs during his career, but he hopes to change that against Burrow.
“I haven’t touched him yet in the playoffs,” Jones said. “But he’s tough to bring down. He’s quicker than he’s perceived. Agile, slithery at times. And hopefully we’re able to get our hands around him and get him down a couple times.”
The Chiefs have lost to the Bengals the last three times they’ve played and all three games have been decided by three points. Jones said as of now there isn’t really a Chiefs-Bengals rivalry because the Chiefs haven’t defeated them yet.
But he’s hoping that, too, changes Sunday. And if it does, the Chiefs will be in the Super Bowl for the third time in four years.
“We’ve got good energy,” Jones said. “Everybody is dialed in and focused. We know what’s ahead of us. We know the challenge in front of us and we’re prepared.”
KELCE QUESTIONABLE
The Chiefs on Friday listed tight end Travis Kelce as questionable on the official injury report with a back issue. Kelce, though, was a full participant in practice.
