Chiefs' Chris Jones Says Sack Surge Is 'Close' Despite Slow Start

As the calendar flips to October 2, 2026, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in unfamiliar territory: just four sacks through three games. But defensive tackle Chris Jones isn't hitting the panic button. Speaking to the media at the podium on Thursday, Jones attributed the low sack total to opposing quarterbacks getting rid of the ball at a blistering pace. "2.3 seconds," Jones said, pointing to the quick throws that have neutralized the pass rush. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, opponents have an average time to throw of 2.81 seconds, ranking 16th in the league. The Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City's Week 4 opponent, get the ball out at the 13th-fastest clip, presenting a unique challenge for Steve Spagnuolo's defense.

Jones: 'We're Close Statistically'

Despite the lack of sacks, Jones remains optimistic. "We're close statistically-wise — you look at the numbers," he said. "I don't care how good of a pass rusher you are. When they're throwing the ball that quick, it's tough for anyone." The All-Pro defensive tackle's sentiment echoes that of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who emphasized the importance of winning on early downs. "I think we'd all like to see it better on first and second down," Spagnuolo said. "That's where some of those plays got long. We got to do better on the back end with those explosive passes, but when the down gets extended, guys have a tendency they're going to get open at some point. So first and second down is one thing that we looked at."

Raiders Week Renews Historic Rivalry

The Chiefs' Week 4 matchup against the Raiders carries extra weight, as both teams enter undefeated. Former Chiefs running back and current Raiders assistant Eric Bieniemy stoked the flames by referencing the rivalry's Oakland roots. "I received a text from an old buddy of mine," Bieniemy said. "He didn't say Las Vegas Raiders. He said, 'It's Oakland Raiders week,' and he said, 'enough said.' I said, 'You know what, that's exactly right, okay?' It is the Raiders week." Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby didn't mince words either: "It is war," he said. "You know that these are the games. You know, every game you circle every single game, and some games you might circle twice. Division games, you know, they count for a little bit more for sure. So, you know, there's a lot of history there. It goes way back before even my time. Me and Pat (Mahomes) have had some great battles back and forth individually, and our teams as well. So, got a lot of respect for them. We know every time we see each other, we know what time it is, and I'm definitely looking forward to it."

Mahomes Values Bragging Rights Over Crosby

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes echoed the intensity of the rivalry, comparing it to a friendly competition. "It's almost like whenever you're young, and you're competing with one of your friends," he explained. "You want to win because you kind of have those bragging rights. You kind of go into the offseason, and if you see the guy, you can kind of give him a little something here and there. It's something about that. It's just what the pure football is." Mahomes and Crosby have engaged in several memorable battles, and Sunday's clash at Arrowhead Stadium promises another chapter in this storied feud.

Around the NFL: Watson, McDaniel, Brady Making Headlines

In other NFL news, the Cleveland Browns are winning with Deshaun Watson, prompting fans to reckon with his resurgence. Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel took blame for the team's offensive struggles, saying, "I'm fully responsible." Meanwhile, Tom Brady's power rankings have the Raiders at No. 5, citing their undefeated record. "No hometown bias here: The Las Vegas Raiders. Undefeated gets you in the Top 5," Brady said. "That's just the way my power rankings work." As the Chiefs prepare for their AFC West showdown, the spotlight remains on Kansas City's pass rush — and whether Jones and company can finally break through.

"We're close statistically-wise — you look at the numbers. I don't care how good of a pass rusher you are. When they're throwing the ball that quick, it's tough for anyone." — Chris Jones

What's Next for the Chiefs?

With the Raiders coming to town, the Chiefs have a chance to make a statement. If the pass rush can generate pressure on early downs and force longer third downs, the sacks will come. As Jones and Spagnuolo both noted, it's about being close — and finishing. For more insights and analysis, stay tuned to Vulius Sports.