PHOENIX | As Super Bowl 57 begins, all eyes are on the Chiefs’ powerful offense and the Eagles’ voracious defense. Despite being one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, Chris Jones flies under the radar and doesn’t complain for a minute.
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The Chiefs’ tackle is used to it. In Kansas City, the big stars are Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. There was also Tyreek Hill for several seasons before going to Miami.
The Kelce brothers are getting a lot of attention at the Super Bowl, as is the fact that Mahomes will face Jalen Hurts in a first black quarterback matchup. Head coach Andy Reid takes on his old team. In short, there is no shortage of good stories.
In this context, the exploits of Chris Jones are practically silent. It would be a huge mistake to think that the Chiefs monster is offended by this lack of attention.
“To be honest, I really don’t care. I’m here at the Super Bowl. Could not be better. Do we agree? he replied to the Journal with a smile when asked this week if he would like more recognition.
Big influence
Jones, 2016 second round pick, has just had his best season, having won long before that.
It’s not for nothing that his friend Frank Clark on the defensive line describes Jones as “the most unstoppable man” in the NFL. His opponent, Eagles tackle Lane Johnson, said Jones was “the elite of the elite.”
His 15.5 sacks, a rare feat in the tackle position, earned him a First Team All-Star spot. Finally, his supporters say, because despite his enviable performances up front, it’s an honor he never received.
Effective under pressure
In the entire league, no player playing inside the defensive line has put more pressure on the quarterback than Jones (77 times). Still, according to ESPN Analytics, he doubled in 69% of games, which is a league high.
Above all, Jones has a knack for shining in big moments. In the conference finals against the Bengals, he recorded two quarterback sacks.
“The further the game goes, the more opportunities I have to make big games. The other teams have their plan. When they pass me or shove their protection at me, I’m still learning to be patient to react when there’s an infringement,” he explained.
The eagle blooms
Since the beginning of the week in Phoenix, it’s the Eagles’ defense that inherits the awards.
With good reason, some would say, because this device is devilishly efficient.
The Eagles claimed the crown this season with 78 sacks, including playoff games. It’s easy to forget that the Chiefs are second at 62. They also pressed 188 times, according to NextGen Stats, putting them in sixth place.
Underestimated defense
So Chris Jones is a key player in a defense that gets no respect.
“My message to the guys on defense is to make sure we’re not forgotten. We’ll forget every week because our offense is dynamic and our quarterback is spectacular. We understand, but if we play the big games, we will make it clear to everyone that we are also part of the success of this team,” he said.
“We know that people look down on us. That’s fine,” he concluded, even winking at himself.
Just to make sure we don’t forget tomorrow night.
A SPECIAL VINTAGE
The Chiefs picked 10 players in the last draft. Of those, nine were on the pitch in the last playoff games. The harvest of 2022 recruits is notorious.
On offense, runner Isiah Pacheco quickly established himself as a running back despite being a distant pick in the seventh round. Receiver Skyy Moore is involved in offense and punt returns.
However, the Chiefs have completely reinvented themselves on defense. Two of the three cornerbacks who see the most ground, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, are rookies.
Add defensive end George Karlaftis’ starting contributions. Linebacker Leo Chenal, cornerback Joshua Williams and safety Bryan Cook were also involved, as was Nazeeh Johnson on special teams.
In sixth place
According to Pro Football Focus, the Chiefs’ rookies have played the sixth-most games in the league, an unlikely fact considering they are a Super Bowl finalist team.
“If someone had told me that before the season, I would have said that expectations were overblown. But I quickly understood that we’re a mature group that put a lot of pressure on itself to do well,” said first-round pick cornerback McDuffie when asked about the topic.
“Especially in the tertiary sector we are five recruits. It made learning more enjoyable knowing we were all going through the same stages,” added Jaylen Watson.
Inspirational journey
One of the Chiefs’ rookies whose career stands out is George Karlaftis. Born in Athens, he grew up in Greece until he was 13 years old. When her father died, her American mother decided to return to her Indiana roots.
AFP archive photo
Chiefs rookie George Karlaftis quickly found his footing in Kansas City, finishing the season with six sacks and seven knockdowns.
He excelled in several sports in Greece, but it’s in water polo that he really made his mark. Getting into the Super Bowl isn’t exactly a plan.
“Hand-eye coordination is as important in water polo as it is in soccer. You also spend hours in the water and the fact that I have strong legs is due to the practice of this sport,” he corrected us in a friendly manner.
international taste
That means Super Bowl 57 will have a little international cachet. The Australian blocker Jordan Mailata will play against the Greek Karlaftis.
“Tell me it’s a first!” Is not it ? This sport needs to start establishing itself in countries other than the United States and Canada. There’s no reason we’re the only ones to make it,” launched the man, who recorded six sacks and knocked down seven assists in his debut season aged 21.
A Chief… Eagles fan!
Photo Stephane Cadorette
Speaking of Chiefs rookies, Isiah Pacheco has been prolific this season with 830 rushing yards and his aggressive style, which Andy Reid likens to the Energizer Bunny. Interestingly, the running back grew up near Philadelphia as a die-hard Eagles fan. He was even able to give 13 Super Bowl tickets to relatives who have to declare their allegiance to support him. “I’m sure they’ll pick the right team,” he told the Journal with a big laugh. I’ve seen the Eagles and admired Coach Reid. I really wanted the Eagles to win when he led them to the Super Bowl. It felt weird coming to Kansas City and having him coach me. »
noble move
Photo Stephane Cadorette
Phoenix Children’s Hospital treated dozens of sick toddlers for Super Bowl celebrations this week. The children were able to convince themselves of several activities on site. They were on screens via remote-controlled robots and were able to control the robots from their hospital beds with the help of on-site assistants in Phoenix. Several youngsters, who also came from children’s hospitals in Philadelphia and Kansas City, were even able to ask the players questions. Just smiles and congratulations all the way.
Enjoy the game…
Photo Stephane Cadorette
It remains only to wait for the match. Since our arrival last Sunday, downtown Phoenix has been going more and more into Super Bowl mode. Many building facades look like Times Square to showcase the big game. As of Thursday night, Chiefs and Eagles supporters have tended to invade the city. They will drive to Glendale, about 30 minutes drive west, where the clash will be presented at State Farm Stadium. Phoenix Airport expects a record 180,000 passengers on Monday. It will play elbows…