Chris Jones takes ‘calculated risks’ pass rushing, now eyeing Bo Nix

The veteran works with his defensive coordinator to find creative ways to blow up the pocket.

The undefeated Kansas City Chiefs head into their next matchup knowing the defense will play a key role in beating the Denver Broncos. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been a stable signal-caller to lead Denver to a 5-4 record.

He has yet to play against the chaos and disruption that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo can bring, especially with defensive tackle Chris Jones leading the way. Jones’ 3.0 sacks and nine quarterback hits this year have come in a variety of ways, and he gets to determine that just before the snap at times.

He talked about what factors he considers leading up to those pass rushes during a press conference Thursday.

“Whether I’m getting the slide [protection], how much I’m getting the slide,” began Jones. “Where’s the best to line up, the best matchup that I can win immediately. It’s also the play calling.”

Spagnuolo sends in a certain call for the coverage and pass rush on situational downs, but Jones will seemingly go rogue to find the pressure points. It isn’t all the way improvised, however.

“I think it’s a comfortability thing between me and Spags,” Jones emphasized. “We have a lot of interpersonal meetings amongst us before the game... What I’m comfortable with, what he’s comfortable with, certain schemes and certain play callings, I’m able to exercise my rights and go outside or go inside depending on what play or what formation they show.

“Sometimes I overdo it. It’s like taking a blitz. It’s a calculated risk, I take a lot of calculated risks.”

Those risks have added up for Jones, who ranks top 10 among NFL defenders in total pressures this season according to Pro Football Focus. His sights will be focused on Bo Nix this week, who averages one of the lowest rates of yards per pass attempt under pressure in the NFL (4.2).

“He’s progressing,” Jones described of Nix. “[I’m a] huge fan of his and how he plays the game. He has that ability to escape the pocket, he can make all the throws, but he’s progressing. For a young quarterback, he’s progressing fast.”

Only Washington Commanders’ quarterback Jayden Daniels has more rushing yards on scrambles this season. Nix will use his legs, and that will be a factor Jones considers as he rushes.

He may even take a similar approach as he will in Week 11, when the Chiefs play the Buffalo Bills.

“I don’t think he has the big-play moments of Josh Allen, but he’s very comparable in a lot of things he does,” Jones remarked of Nix. “The scheme when they’re running with him, whether it’s getting him into the open field or keeping the ball in his hands on certain downs and distance. It gives him the ability to play with instinct, so it’s on us to prepare, make sure we keep him in the pocket and get after it.”

The Chiefs’ defense will be bouncing back from one of its weakest performances of the season in Week 9. The heat will be turned up on Nix, and that will start with Jones coming from any number of directions.