Chiefs' 'Defensive Triplets' Disrespected in NFL Rankings

The Kansas City Chiefs hope to rebound from a disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX just four months ago.

The defense will look different as there have been additions and subtractions, mostly part of general manager Brett Veach's plan to get better.

But it's three familiar faces that show up on SI's "defensive triplets" rankings, where the Chiefs' trio of Chris Jones, Nick Bolton and Trent McDuffie show up at No. 6, inside the top 10 but not in the first five, which is curious.

6. Kansas City Chiefs

Triplets: Chris Jones, Nick Bolton, Trent McDuffie

"Jones again played like the best defensive tackle in the NFL. His elite performances helped the Chiefs make the Super Bowl for the third consecutive season. McDuffie had no trouble playing on the outside full-time, and Bolton’s consistency was rewarded with a three-year, $45 million extension."

Jones, the six-time Pro Bowler, posted 37 tackles with 19 solo and nine for loss with five sacks, a forced fumble and 20 QB hits. That's his lowest sack total since he registered two in his rookie year in 2016.

In his fourth season last year, Bolton amassed 106 total tackles with 73 solo and 11 for loss. He added a career-high three sacks, an interception, six passes defended and two fumble recoveries with one forced fumble.

McDuffie posted 59 total tackles with 45 solo and six for loss with half a sack and four QB hits across 16 games. He added a pair of interceptions, 13 passes defended and a forced fumble.

If the Chiefs are going to bounce back from a disappointing end to the 2024 campaign, then it will be partly due to the play of their "defensive triplets."