DENVER — Like the Rams’ Aaron Donald, the Chiefs’ Chris Jones is a defensive tackle whose base position is outside the guard’s shoulder. Also like Donald, Jones has recently bounced outside to the edge pass-rush position.
“I know when they first started doing that there was like, ‘Oh good,’’’ Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. “I want him on the edge. I don’t want to have to block him at the 3-technique. But he’s disruptive everywhere he goes. He’s one of those guys – it’s not every week you put a jersey on your scout team for an interior defensive lineman, but when you’re playing him, a lot like Aaron Donald, we have to know where he is every play.”
The Broncos play the Chiefs for the second time in three weeks Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High. The Chiefs have won 16 in a row against the Broncos.
The 6-foot-6, 310-pound Jones had a sack, a pass deflection and three quarterback hits two weeks ago when the Kansas City defense stymied Russell Wilson and the Broncos in a 19-8 victory.
In 14 career games against the Broncos, Jones is, first of all, 14-0 against them. Secondly, he has an astounding 20 quarterback hits and 8 pass deflections against Denver to go along with 6.0 sacks, mostly from the inside pass rush position.
Known for their high-powered offense, the Chiefs’ defense this year ranks No. 2 in scoring, allowing just 15.0 points per game.
Mahomes and Kelce
Last week against the Chargers, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes passed for 424 yards and 4 touchdowns, The previous week against the Broncos he threw for 306 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Travis Kelce had 12 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers and 9 catches for 124 yards against the Broncos.
Much of the damage inflicted by both Mahomes and Kelce came off Mahomes scrambles.
“It’s not the plays they call, it’s the second act that’s so effective for these guys,’’ Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said Thursday. “That’s tough to prepare for. You don’t have a scheme for that. That’s just feel and awareness for our players to get attached when he’s in those soft zones, and we’re working it so hopefully it pays off on Sunday.”
Mahomes also rushed a combined 10 times for 60 yards against the Chargers and Broncos.
Broncos Bits
Broncos’ No. 4 receiver Brandon Johnson showed up on the injury report Thursday with a hamstring issue. Meanwhile, Chiefs’ backup running back Jerick McKinnon showed up Thursday with a groin injury. To have soft-tissue injuries in practice so late in the week usually means their playing statuses for Sunday are questionable at best. …
Special teamer/running back Dwayne Washington returned to practice Thursday after missing the workout Wednesday with a knee injury. …
Joseph on not having safety Kareem Jackson, who is suspended from the next two games because of repeated hits the league deemed “unnecessary roughness” infractions: “He’s a veteran starter who is very wise. So not having Kareem is not good for our defense but we have young guys who we believe in who’s played good football for us and moving forward that’s who we’re playing with for a while. I have confidence in those guys. No worries.”
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