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Lions: Kansas City Chiefs’ Chris Jones is a player to pursue this offseason

By Bob Heyrman

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans, causing a fumble in the first half at Nissan Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans, causing a fumble in the first half at Nissan Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions need plenty of help all throughout their roster but look no further than Chris Jones today when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Houstons Texans in the second AFC Divisional matchup of the weekend.

Sure, there are plenty of pending free agents the Detroit Lions need to keep tabs on this offseason, but Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones needs to be at the top of their wishlist as soon as the free agency period opens.

Chris Jones is officially questionable entering today, as head coach Andy Reid mentioned he ‘tweaked a calf’ at practice this week.  Jones failed to practice Friday, and Reid wouldn’t indicate if he’d have a chance to play this weekend or not.  It’s the playoffs, so most of the time, head coaches put on their poker face when it comes to injuries and become reluctant to give up more information than they need past the injury report.

In 2018, Jones had a phenomenal season recording 74 tackles and a whopping 16 sacks, as an interior lineman that’s tremendous.  He followed that up this season with 9 sacks and 58 tackles along with forcing one fumble in just 13 games.

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Jones is the definition of a disrupting lineman who causes complete havoc in the backfield.  He struggles some at stopping the run, but he’s elite a forcing pressure on passing downs.  He’s not perfect, but he’d be a significant upgrade to the Detroit Lions defensive line.

He’s even made 2 interceptions throughout his short four-year career.  Jones was drafted with the 37th pick in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s 6’6 and around 310-pounds and at just 25-years old will be a hot commodity throughout the league this offseason if the Chiefs can’t find a way to retain him.

Jones’ inability to stop the run makes me a little nervous, in Detroit’s scheme they rely heavily on their DT’s to stuff the run inside or at least take on a double team which allows their linebackers to roam free and make a play behind or around the line of scrimmage.  It’s what Damon Harrison did so well just a year ago, but injuries limited his productivity this season as Detroit yielded 115 yards/game on the ground last season, which ranked them 21st.

Not great for a team in which strength was expected to be their defense entering the 2019 season.  The Lions struggled to create any type of pass-rush in ’19.  With Matt Patricia reluctant to blitz, Chris Jones is the perfect solution playing alongside Trey Flowers and hopefully a healthy Deshawn Hand in 2019.  The trio should be able to create plenty of pressure, which helps the entire defense.

Should Damon Harrison return next season, Jones also helps limit his snaps.  Harrison can play on first down, at times second, but Jones can handle the majority of the pass-rushing downs.  A rotation doesn’t only keep everyone fresh it limits the wear and tear on their bodies.

Trending. Patricia desperately needs to hire Wade Phillips. light

Chirs Jones is a player to watch today if he plays.  If he doesn’t, he’s a player to track as the free agency period approaches.

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