How Steve Spagnuolo Uses Chris Jones to Dictate to the Offense

Defensive tackle Chris Jones is the engine that makes the Chiefs’ #2-ranked defense go. And while he often has a direct impact on the game with pressures, sacks, and tackles for loss, he also has a significant influence on the offense’s game plan because they have to account for him. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo knows this and understands how to take advantage with his blitz schemes.

Take this 3rd-and-10 against the Dolphins in Week 9. I’ve shown this sack before, but here I want to focus on Jones’ impact on the play. Notice the even front with Jones aligned to the right:

Spagnuolo knew this would likely lead to the Dolphins sliding towards him.

In this 6-man protection, that would mean a 3-man slide from the center to the right tackle and then man-to-man blocking on the two down linemen to the left. The running back’s first read would be the linebacker over him (#23 Drue Tranquill) if he rushed:

In anticipation of that protection, Spagnuolo would bring 4 weak. That included Tranquill, who would occupy the running back, and cornerback Jaylen Watson, who would be unaccounted for by the protection: